The Maryland State Department of Education has released Adequate Yearly Progress information for the 2007-2008 school year.  AYP measures student performance in reading and mathematics.  Each year, MSDE sets AYP targets which school systems must achieve for all populations of students, including minorities, special education, poverty, and Limited English Proficient students.  The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 expects all students to meet 100 percent proficiency by 2014.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools is pleased to report that for the first time since the inception of NCLB, all elementary and middle schools in the school system have made AYP.  “We as a school system are absolutely elated with these magnificent results.  Such remarkable results are due to the highly qualified and hard working staff, the talented students in our schools, and the active involvement of our parents and community,” stated Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools.  “We have very high expectations for all of our students, we continue to implement a challenging and rigorous curriculum, and we are focusing on building connections and positive relationships with our students and parents.  We are making every effort to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills to be extremely successful,” said Dr. Martirano.

Lexington Park Elementary made AYP in both reading and mathematics for the second consecutive year.  As a result, Lexington Park Elementary has exited the list of schools in need of improvement.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools is also pleased to report that Spring Ridge Middle School met the AYP requirements in both reading and mathematics.  Spring Ridge Middle School will need to make AYP for an additional year to exit School Improvement.

High school and school system AYP status will be released this fall.