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Nebraska Approves Penalties for Low-Performing Schools

The Nebraska State Board of Education approved proposed penalties for schools whose students test below average in math and reading.

Under the preliminary regulations, low-performing school districts with an "unacceptable" or "needs improvement" rating would be required to improve to at least the next higher rating by the following year to comply with No Child Left Behind or risk losing accreditation and state funding. If students do not improve within three years of the development of the plan, the districts would be placed on a one-year probation.

The schools would present their improvement plans each year for state review, and schools would be allowed to apply for a one-year hardship extension.

Education Commissioner Doug Christensen emphasized that the State Board is "sending a strong message to low-performing school districts that immediate and intensive efforts are needed to improve assessment quality and student performance."

The proposed rule revisions will be presented at a public hearing in mid-February for reactions and possible modifications.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education (January 2004)

As reported in The Chairs' Headline Review published by the National Association of State Boards of Education.

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