Expected: For grades K-8, the school reached it's expected growth standard, as set by the State Board of Education formula, based on it's own previous performance, statewide averages and a statistical adjustment. For high schools, expected gain is calclated using the high school's end-of-course indices and growth formula.

Exemplary: The school not only met expected growth or gain, but performed even better. For k-8, exemplary growth factors is 10% above the statewide average formula and is used in conjunction with the performance standard to identify schools that qualify for recognition and assistance. For high schools, exemplary gain is defined as the baseline plus 5% of the difference between the baseline and 100, and factors in 10% above the statewide average growth in the formula in reading and mathematics based on the NSHSCT from grade 8 to grade 10./p>

Schools of Excellence: The designation for those k-8 schools where at least 90% of the students tested performed at or above grade level and where the school met expected growth; for high schools, 90% or more o students performed at level III (proficiency) or above and met expected gain.

Schools of Distinction: The designation where at least 80% of students k-8 performed at or above the grade level standard, or at high school, performed at Achievement Level III (proficiency) or above. It is possible for a School of Distinction not to reach expected growth / gain.

No Recognition: The school failed to reach the growth standard established for it by the State Board of Education's formula, but has at least 50% of the students at or above grade level (k-8) or above Achievement Level III (proficiency) for grades 9-12.