SAN ANTONIO -- Several school districts, including the San Antonio Independent School District, learned this week that some of its schools failed to meet federal standards for adequate yearly progress, a requirement of the No Child Left Behind act.

For Sam Houston High School, it's the fifth time the school's received a failing grade. A total of 26 schools in the SAISD failed to meet the requirements, district spokeswoman Melissa Matthews-Woolard said.

"Sam Houston did make AYP in reading and graduation, however, because they didn't make it in their math, which was a problem for districts statewide, Sam Houston made the list," she said.

Matthews-Woolard said the district knew it wouldn't do well, but said new rules played a part in its rating, primarily one that forced many special education students to take the same test as regular education students.

"So 99 percent of our students were expected to perform at grade level," she said. "So when you think about the percentage we have of special ed students, that makes it pretty tough."

Failing to meet the standards set by the federal government can lead to sanctions. Sam Houston High School is now in the fifth and final stage of sanctions, meaning the district must adjust its curriculum. That requirement has already been completed, Matthews-Woolard said.

"We welcome holding all of our kids to the proper standards, but this was the first year, so it takes time to develop those skills and to get those students acclimated to taking that kind of test," she said.

The school has established a freshman academy and placed an emphasis on teaching manufacturing, engineering and technology, Matthews-Woolard said.

While federal sanctions call for changing administrators and faculty, SAISD said it's pleased with Principal Melonie Hammons' performance and believe she can make the necessary adjustments. Various parents also said they're happy with the changes and feel their children are receiving a good education at the school.