The Nebraska State Board of Education approved a new accountability system that will rate schools based on state test performance. The rating system will host four classes: excellent, great, good, and needs improvement. If a school’s state test scores in science, reading, writing, and math improve from the previous year, the school will move to a higher rating category. Additionally, if a certain number of students score lower than the previous year, the school may drop to a lower rating category. Additionally, a poor graduation rate in light of the state average may prevent a school from moving into a higher rating class. Schools that are identified as needing improvement will face a yet to be defined intervention at the state level. This rating system is part of the larger AQuESTT accountability structure adopted by the Board in its attempt to gain a NCLB flexibility waiver.