Decorah School Board hears about response to listing as a "School in Need of Assistance"

On Monday night the Decorah Community School Board heard from administrators and teachers in the elementary levels about learning improvement plans related to math and reading programs. Superintendent Haluska and board members commended the work that had been done, particularly in regard to math.

The programs are in partial response to John Cline being placed on the SINA list by the Department of Education, as part of the No Child Left Behind legislation. While being on the list may seem ominous, the way the law is written sets up progressing goals for student achievement so that virtually all schools in the state wind up being on the list. Officials noted the learning improvement planning would be happening independent of legislation. However, it was clear that work being done appeared very successful at meeting individual student needs in regard to established learning targets.

Title I funding for schools related to low income students is tied to successful compliance with No Child Left Behind legislation.

(decorahnews.com will follow up with more information about the impact of SINA designation)