The Clayton Ridge School District sent out a letter to parents and guardians on Dec. 16 regarding their rating from the Iowa School Performance Profiles (ISPP) released by the Iowa Department of Education.

The letter, signed by District Superintendent Shane Wahls, says Clayton Ridge's district rating came in as Needs Improvement.

Ratings included exceptional, high performing, commendable, acceptable, needs improvement and priority.

The school's three "brick and mortar" schools — the high school, middle school and elementary — all received a High Performing rating; however, the Iowa Virtual Academy received a Priority designation.

The letter says, "This designation indicates that specific student groups within the Iowa Virtual Academy require additional support to improve outcomes."

Ratings are focused on student proficiency in English, mathematics and science; student academic growth; chronic absenteeism; and attendance growth.

Districts with high schools are also measured on graduation rates and post-secondary readiness.

Districts are also rated based on achievement gaps, which monitor student groups, including English learners, students with disabilities, low-income students and racial/ethnic groups.

The IVA is also targeted to receive support from the Every Student Succeeds Act, which is a federal law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act in 2015. The ESSA focuses on providing standards and accountability for public school districts regarding access to education.

The district is working to implement improved education strategies for the IVA, according to the letter.