Scrutinize the formula. To meet the AYP, 95 percent of the students in each sub-group, and 95 percent of all the students in the school, must meet or exceed the state-set measurable annual objectives.
Study how the academic standards and participation of students in the testing is used to assess how well a school or a district measures up to expectations. Again, subgroups are carefully monitored, as they were the reason the NCLB policy was implemented.
Look at the state tests for reading, language arts and math achievement. This will give you an indication of what students are expected to know at each level, and how they are assessed as being above or below the 95 percent rate necessary for AYP.
Review the percentage of attendance and high school graduates. One of the AYP criteria is to have most -- preferably all -- students graduate from high school. Schools -- particularly those with a number of sub-group students -- are encouraged to have extra resources and programs to keep potential drop-outs in school.
Check the appeals process to find out how schools can request a review. There are two categories, statistical reasons and substantive reasons -- because of mitigating factors, such as a flu epidemic or a natural disaster.