More schools on Long Island placed on poorly performing list

LOCUST VALLEY (WABC) -- An increasing number of public schools on Long Island are joining the list of "poorly performing" schools.

They are school districts one would not usually associate with underperformance, including Roslyn, Great Neck and Locust Valley.

Parents are taking issue with the State Department of Education's newly released numbers.

"The household is where everything begins. They bring it to the school, they make all these laws, they say they need this, they need that. I think it's all politics," said grandparent Manny Diaz.

"I took him out of a private school because this is a better school. better class, better socialization, the teachers are great," said one parent.

Locust Valley Intermediate School, Harbor Hills Elementary in Roslyn and Elizabeth Mellick Baker Elementary in Great Neck are now on a state watch list.

They're being told they need to boost their test scores, particularly among students with disabilities.

"We're going to have to address it. We'll take a look at the numbers and bring it up during meetings and stuff," said Locust Valley parent Lina Kiessling.

"They don't do great because it's the stress level. They have to pass, if they don't pass are they going to go to the next grade. It shouldn't matter, it's just a test," said Locust Valley parent Jami Diaz.

The state also pinpointed entire school districts that need to develop a comprehensive plan to improve test scores and graduation rates or they may lose federal aid.

They include the Hempstead school district, the Huntington school district and the Roosevelt and Wyandanch school districts.

Schools that have not made any progress since last year are also being eyed. They include Hempstead High School, Ralph Reed School in Central Islip and Milton Olive Middle in Wyandanch.

It's important to note that the numbers show that the vast majority of schools on Long Island are in good standing. Nearly one hundred schools are showing high student achievement.

To see how your school or district is faring visit:

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/accountability/documents/AccountabilityStatusfor2014-15.xlsx