The state released the list, mandated by the federal government's "No Child Left Behind" law. Officials were under an earlier deadline to produce the list, so it is based on 2006 data, including MAP test scores, attendance, and graduation rates. Any one of those areas could land a district on the list. Also, the list does not reflect data from the most recent 2007 MAP test scores, which are set to be released on Friday.

"We are making a preliminary identification of new schools and districts that need improvement, as required by the law and based on 2006 MAP scores, attendance rates and graduation rates. In previous years, we made this determination after all schools had received their new test results. Federal officials have told us we must accelerate our timetable," said Stan Johnson, assistant commissioner of the department of education.

DESE says this is the first time it has had to put districts as a whole on the list. Previously, it has evaluated each individual building and reported those results. Spokesperson Jim Morris says because of the way the numbers are calculated as required by federal law, each building in a district may be showing adequate yearly progress, but when the numbers are added up across the district, it falls short. That's because lower scores or performance of one particular subgroup of students can land the entire district on the list. DESE says school districts on the list will be required to prepare a new school improvement plan.

List of area DISTRICTS on "District Improvement List"

Aurora

Cabool

Camdenton

Cassville

Dallas Co R-1

Dixon

Fair Grove

Galena

Hartville

Hollister

Houston

Laquey

Lebanon

Logan-Rogersville

Marion C. Early

Marshfield

Monett

Mountain Grove

Mt. Vernon

Newburg

Phelps Co.

Pleasant Hope

Purdy

Republic

Seymour

Sparta

Springfield

Stockton

Waynesville

Willard

Willow Springs

List of area SCHOOLS on "School Improvement List"

Aurora-Robinson Middle School

Camdenton-Oak Ridge Elementary

Cassville-Cassville Intermediate

Galena-Galena-Abesville Elementary

Lebanon-Boswell Elementary

Monett-Monett Intermediate

Newburg-Newburg Elementary

Phelps-Phelps Co. Elementary

Rolla-Rolla Middle

Springfield-Bisset, McGregor Elementary