An Austin Public elementary school may be at risk of being listed as an under-performing school under the No Child Left Behind Act.

The new federal education standards have schools across the country nervous about meeting the new standards.

And with good reason. Funding from state governments to public education is standing still or decreasing. School districts are concerned they won't be able to catch up if their funding continues to dwindle.

But the philosophy behind the act is a good one. Children should be given the best education possible and should not be allowed to fall significantly behind their peers.

An 80 percent graduation rate is attainable -- AHS surpassed the rate this year.

While some school districts are publically protesting the changes, the Austin School district is finding ways it can comply with the resources it has.

The high school is increasing the math requirements in ninth grade for students who did not meet eighth grade math requirements.

A new reading program at Ellis Middle School will be implemented next year to help students reach an appropriate reading level.

We commend the Austin School District for looking for solutions instead of making excuses. Above all, we hope their efforts work.