Students who do not meet the standards or whose teachers say they are not performing adequately will be placed on academic probation and most likely be held back a grade. We are getting a spectrum of people involved. We don't just expect students to carry the burden themselves. Some, however, say that may not be enough. Legislators contend they have considered that need and in turn allocated grant money for 10 alternative schools for children with discipline problems.
Grants are also available for after-school homework centers.
Schools, too, will be graded on their performance and improvement. Beginning in 2001, those ratings will be sent home to families on a report card. The report card will also list educational trends, needs, and long-term performance in the school, and include each principal's evaluation. State officials will intercede at those schools that receive a rating of below average or unsatisfactory by offering a grant to retrain the schools' teachers and administrators. The state also will provide financial incentives for master teachers and principal mentors who teach in districts deemed in greatest need of help.