Alabama Department of Education Lists Tuscaloosa’s Central High as a 2016 ‘Failing’ School

The Alabama Department of Education released its list of "failing" schools for 2016, and Tuscaloosa's Central High is on the list.76 schools made the list of "failing schools;" those schools rank in the bottom 6% of standardized reading and mathematics tests conducted annually. Students in grades 3-8 take the ACT Aspire test, and the test is also given to 10th graders.

al.com reports that the number of schools on the list this year is higher:

That criteria used for this year's list is different than in the past, when schools were labeled "failing" if its standardized testing scores were in the bottom 6 percent for three of the previous six years. Schools exclusively serving special education students are not included on the list.

The change in definition means an increase in the number of schools on the list, possibly clearing the way for more students to transfer to other public schools or qualify for tax credits and scholarships that help pay private school tuition.

You can view the complete AAA Failing School List for 2016 HERE.