Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,

Each year school districts are given a "report card" in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act.  The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is a broad piece of federal legislation which among other things will require ALL students to be at a proficient level in their grade level by 2012.  Not only must each school meet the targeted benchmark but each school subgroup where there are more than 40 students must meet the benchmark.  For instance, if a school has more than 40 students in special education, that subgroup must also ascertain the designated benchmark for that year or the school will not be successful according to this specific piece of legislation.

NCLB student benchmarks periodically increase and this year each school district in Connecticut was required to have 74% of their students be proficient in math, and 68% proficient in reading, and 70% proficient in writing.  When schools, districts, and student subgroups meet these benchmarks, the school is designated as making "Adequate Yearly Progress" on the NCLB Report.  As of the 2006 year, the CT State Department of Education (CSDE) reports there are 290 schools designated as not making Adequately Yearly Progress.

Last year Ledyard Middle School had more than 40 students in special education and those students as a subgroup did not meet the designated benchmark and therefore did not make "Adequate Yearly Progress".  This year Ledyard Middle School students in special education made progress and therefore made Adequate Yearly Progress according to the CSDE “Safe Harbor” status. It is important to note that the students in the aggregate at both of these schools did ascertain Adequate Yearly Progress.

Dr. Trudy Carpenter, the Special Services Director, and your principals, Ms. Gayle Boardman and Mr. Joseph Chella, reviewed the names and programs of all students in special education in grades 7-8 and want to assure you that those students are receiving an appropriate individual education program given their disability.

I will continue to update you annually regarding the NCLB Reports.

Cathy L. Patterson
Assistant Superintendent of Schools