AHS scores fall in '05-'06 ABC testing

With a composite score of 75.1, Alleghany High School fell behind five surrounding high schools in terms of 2005-2006 ABC results released from the state Department of Public Instruction on Oct. 5. Three surrounding high schools, two in Wilkes County and one in Surry County, fell below Alleghany.

Meanwhile, results for Alleghany's three kindergarten through eighth grade schools were delayed by the state. Those results are expected in early November. State officials said the additional time is needed to complete the compilation of the data, including a new mathematics test given earlier this year.

Frank Busic, who serves as the test coordinator for Alleghany County Schools, pointed out the high school did not achieve expected or high growth, nor did it receive an ABC rating this year. However, the school did achieve adequate yearly progress (AYP) in the federal testing program. Last year, AHS received an ABC rating as a school of distinction, meaning between 80 and 89 percent of students are on or above grade level.

In a news release issued by DPI noted the scores are based on new ABC growth formulas "which raise standards for meeting academic growth targets. High academic standards and a stronger focus on academic rigor are at the heart of the State Board of Education's agenda for 21st century skills and learning for all students."

The 2005-06 results noted that 57 percent of high schools in the state achieved expected or high academic growth under the new accountability model. This shows a significant decrease over last year.

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