FULTON- It's taken two years, but McIntire Elementary in Fulton returned high enough MAP Test scores to be removed from the state's "school improvement list." The scores schools must receive to stay off the list are mandated by the "No Child Left Behind" Act.

McIntire Elementary Principal Beth Houf is thrilled about the news. "It's definitely a positive start to the year.  It's nice to see the hard work that's been going on in the building pay off," she said.

For the last two years, McIntire had to allow parents to switch their child to another school.

"It's hard on the teachers who work so hard and for the students, especially in a town this small to think that one of the school's isn't as good as the other two," said Houf.

"It's very difficult at this stage of the game with No Child Left Behind to meet that target. So they've done a great job," said Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Hull.

The standards mandated by No Child Left Behind are getting tougher. By 2014 all students need to be placing in the 'advanced' and 'proficient' levels.

"That's the problem with No Child Left Behind, it's not realistic. You'll find that anywhere you're at. Not everyone is going to be advanced, but that doesn't mean we don't teach like we believe that's not true," said Houf.

Houf points out that not all students will be able to test at the 'advanced' and 'proficient' levels because they are simply bad at taking tests. She also notes there are many outside factors that can affect a child's test score.

"Students have learning disabilities or trouble with learning. There are home situations that make learning much harder, there are students that experience tragedies," said Houf.

McIntire still has improvements to make.  It did not meet standards for mathematics. It's something the school is continuously working on.

"Looking at our curriculum, making sure that there aren't any holes, things that need to be taught. Making sure it's being taught the right way.  Making sure it's being taught at a high level," Houf said.

Houf credits her staff and parents for the success the school has seen.
She also says there is so much more to a child and their development in school then their MAP Test results.