More Indiana schools fall into academic watch or probation

INDIANAPOLIS – More Indiana schools have slipped into academic watch and probation statuses, with nearly 75 percent of the state’s public high schools dropping into the lowest two categories of the state’s five-tier ranking system.\nThe new classifications, released Wednesday, show that 11 percent of schools were ranked higher in 2006 than 2005, while 57 percent stayed in the same category and 32 percent earned a lower ranking.\nThe three school corporations that fell into the lowest category – academic probation – are among the poorest in the state. They were Indianapolis Public Schools, Gary Community School Corporation and the School City of East Chicago. An average of 78 percent of students in those districts qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch programs for low-income families.\nThe 33 corporations in the top category – exemplary – averaged about 17 percent of students on free or reduced-price lunches.\nThe state rankings are based on the same test scores used to measure progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. But Indiana’s ranking system also measures improvement over time, holding schools to a higher standard, said Suellen Reed, the state’s superintendent for public instruction.\n“It is encouraging to see the number of schools that are maintaining a good standing despite steadily increasing expectations,” she said. “Many schools are making the changes needed to boost student achievement, but we’d certainly like to see a greater degree of improvement across the board.”\nThe Department of Education puts each of Indiana’s schools and districts in one of five categories: exemplary progress, commendable progress, academic progress, academic watch and academic probation.\nUnder Indiana law, schools on academic probation are eligible for more state aid but face consequences that become more serious the longer the school stays in that category. Charter schools and accredited nonpublic schools are also placed into categories, but they are exempt from consequences under the law.