3,185 adults were served by the Adult Basic and Literacy Education program in 2006-07.

Accountability

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 strengthens accountability by requiring states to implement statewide accountability systems covering all public schools and students. These systems must be based on challenging state standards in reading and mathematics, annual testing for all students in Grades 3-8, and annual statewide progress objectives ensuring that all groups of students reach proficiency within 12 years. Assessment results and state progress objectives must be broken out by poverty, race, ethnicity, disability, and limited English proficiency to ensure that no group is left behind. School districts and schools that fail to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward statewide proficiency goals will, over time, be subject to improvement, corrective action, and restructuring measures aimed at getting them back on course to meet state standards. Schools that meet or exceed AYP objectives or close achievement gaps will be eligible for State Academic Achievement Awards.

Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13 works collaboratively to support local districts in the development of comprehensive accountability systems. These systems develop and support clear connections to school district initiatives -- strategic plans, technology plans, assessment plans and school improvement strategies. A comprehensive accountability system will give administrators and teachers a framework for addressing growth and progress for all students.

“This year our nation entered a new era in education: we declared that we will build an education system in which every child learns. We will support schools that make sure children are safe and parents involved. And we will construct a system in which schools and educators are held accountable for student achievement.”

Excerpt in Letter Released from U.S. Education Secretary Paige to State School Chiefs on Implementing No Child Left Behind Act, October 22, 2002