An intervention under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Schools and districts that receive federal Title I funds enter Program Improvement when-for two years in a row-they do not make adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward the goal of having all students become proficient in English language arts and mathematics by 2013-14. Each state, with federal approval, sets measurements of what is considered AYP each year. Once a school makes AYP for two years in a row, it can leave Program Improvement. NCLB lists a series of increasingly serious interventions for schools that remain in Program Improvement. These begin with revising a plan for the school and giving parents the option to transfer their students to schools that are not in Program Improvement, with transportation provided. The second year adds providing professional development to teachers and staff and offering tutoring to students from low-income families. If a school hasn't made adequate yearly progress in four years, it could face significant restructuring or takeover in the fifth year. Schools that do not receive Title I funds are not subject to Program Improvement even if they do not make AYP.

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