Schools can cite many examples that provide evidence of success. In addition, schools are held accountable to three separate systems outlined by the state and federal government:

1. Schools must meet rigorous performance standards to earn the state’s quality seal of accreditation. All LPS schools are accredited. The LPS district, as a whole, was awarded Accreditation with Distinction. This is the highest accreditation rating that can be earned in Colorado.

2. The median growth percentile for LPS in reading, writing and math is above the state median 89 percent of the time in all reportable categories.

3. The federal government’s No Child Left Behind Act calls for all schools and districts to have all students proficient in reading and math by 2014. Each state sets benchmarks to mark progress leading to the target of having 100 percent of the students proficient. Those benchmarks play a big part in whether or not schools make what’s called “adequate yearly progress,” or AYP. AYP must be reported for ethnic groups; students from low income families; students whose first language is not English; and students with disabilities. A district or school may not make AYP even if it meets all but one of the targets. The law also calls for sanctions if Title I schools do not meet adequate yearly progress targets over time. In 2009–2010, 75 percent of LPS schools made AYP. This includes all district elementary schools.  As a district, LPS met or exceeded 128 of 138 targets for a 93 percent success rate.