Software Problem Delays Some Results Of End-Of-Grade Tests

Problems with computer software was in part responsible for the delay, officials said, because the system that allows schools to recheck results was not ready to be implemented before release of the results.

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Preliminary AYP Results For N.C. Schools

The end-of-grade tests are important because of a federal standard called Adequate Yearly Progress, or No Child Left Behind. That requires schools to have the majority of students at or above grade level in every demographic. If one group is not, the entire school fails.

"A single child can determine whether or not a school reaches AYP," said David Holdzkom with the Wake County Public School System. "We've got seven to 10 schools, now, where we're looking at individual cases of kids."

Hodge Road Elementary School is one of eight Wake County elementary schools awaiting the new results. Although the school does very well on tests, the No Child Left Behind standard has been a hurdle, said literacy teacher Alisa King.

"I think everyone was really down when it happened the first time," King said. "When we didn't make it, it was really disappointing."

Leaders said they hope they will achieve the standard this year.

Because Hodge Road receives federal money, it has to make its marks or face sanctions, which could include allowing students to transfer to other schools.

Reading scores for kindergarten through eighth grade are ready for release, as well as high-school reading and math scores. Math scores for the lower grades will be released in October.

Besides Wake County schools, other school systems, such as Durham and Orange counties, waited to release their results. Cumberland County released its results on Tuesday while Johnston County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools are still analyzing their results.