And the Sunset school plans to keep it that way.

Despite the relief and joy that came with achieving the standard this year, however, anxiety that the school may fail to make AYP is always present, Principal Bernardo Villar said.

"There is always that tension. Are we doing everything we can do? Are the students' needs being met?"

Villar credits Doxey's 400 students, teachers and staff with ensuring it continues to meet NCLB-mandated benchmarks. The school, which receives federal Title 1 funds because of its large population of disadvantaged students, uses two main programs to make sure students are learning what they're expected.

Staff uses DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), an assessment system to evaluate each student's needs and to measure how they're progressing. Depending on outcomes of the assessment, tutors work individually each morning with students to boost their performance. Teachers reinforce learning needs in the classroom.

A computer program is used to assess the students' math skills and their progress.

Under a second program, teachers in lower grades meet each morning with their students as a group for "Power Hour."

Students are grouped with peers who have similar needs for concentrated time with teachers.

Villar said teachers have really taken a lead to help students meet learning goals.

"I have an incredible staff," he said. "If you love the child, then you are able to teach the child and that child will learn; that's our philosophy."

rorellana@sltrib.com