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Program Improvement

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 requires the state and district to annually review the academic progress of federally funded Title I schools and to identify schools in need of improvement. These schools are identified as Program Improvement (PI) schools after two consecutive years of not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). California determines Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) by considering the following four measures:

  • The percentage of students scoring at the “proficient” or “advanced” level on the California Standards Tests for English-language arts and mathematics
  • The percentage of students participating in those tests
  • The graduation rate for high schools
  • California’s own accountability measurement of progress, the Academic Performance Index (API)

Schools in Program Improvement

  • Sunset Middle School (Year 5)
  • Vineland Elementary School (Year 5)

Why is your school identified as Program Improvement (PI)?

The reason the school continues in Program Improvement (PI) is because it did not achieve Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) in one or more of the following areas:

  • English-Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Test Participation Rate
  • Academic Performance Index

The school’s Accountability Progress Report (APR) may be obtained from the school or on the California Department of Education (CDE) Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/ay/.

Public school choice: What right does a parent have to request a transfer to a school that is not in Program Improvement (PI)?

All parents/guardians of students attending a Program Improvement (PI) school have the right to request a transfer of their child(ren) to a non- Program Improvement (PI) district school with district-paid transportation.

For parents who select this option, the district will provide transportation to the non- Program Improvement (PI) school for as long as the home school continues to be identified as a Program Improvement (PI) school. If the home school exits Program Improvement (PI) by making Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years, the student can remain at the school; however, transportation will no longer be district-paid. If the demand for choice exceeds the funds available, priority will be given to the lowest achieving, low-income students.

Please visit the following site for more information concerning School Choice:  http://www.vineland.k12.ca.us

Supplemental Educational Services (SES): How does a parent obtain a provider for their child?

Students from low-income families at Program Improvement (PI) Year 2 or more schools, whose parents did not select a public school choice option are eligible for Supplemental Educational Services (SES). These services are tutoring sessions which occur outside the regular school day with educational providers approved by the California Department of Education (CDE). If the number of eligible students who apply for the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) exceeds the financial resources available, the lowest achieving students from low-income families will receive Supplemental Educational Services (SES) first.

Please visit the following site for more information concerning Supplemental Educational Services (SES): http://www.vineland.k12.ca.us

What will the school do to address the problem of low achievement?

The district is working closely with the school to revise the Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) to include:

  • Strategies, policies, and practices that utilize scientifically-based research and have the greatest likelihood of ensuring that all groups of students will meet the state’s achievement targets
  • High quality professional development for school staff that will lead to removing the school from Program Improvement (PI) status
  • Strategies to promote effective parental involvement in the school

What are the district and state doing to support schools in Program Improvement (PI)?

The district is working closely with the California Department of Education (CDE) and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS)   to improve curriculum, instruction, and student performance.

How can parents become involved?

Research shows that strong parental involvement leads to student success at school. Parents interested in partnering with the school are encouraged to contact the school for additional information regarding:

  • Parental involvement policies
  • School-parent compact
  • Ongoing parent/community meetings
  • Advisory committee/school site council meetings
  • Parent volunteer opportunities

Please review the documents below for information related to the district and to your school.

If you have questions, need additional information on how you can get involved in the school improvement efforts, or would like to discuss the school’s instructional program and Program Improvement (PI) status, please feel free to contact and/or visit your child’s school.