This study examined whether or not an approved change to Kentucky's subgroup size increased the exclusion of the disabilities subgroup from middle grade AYP calculations, the influence poverty and disability have on these subgroups' inclusion in middle grade level AYP calculations, and the accuracy of middle grade AYP status determinations based on those calculations. The study population included Kentucky's public middle grades (6-8) as the unit of analysis. The study conducted a univariate statistical analysis of assessment and demographic data from 2007 Kentucky's middle grade (6-8) report cards, the Institute for Education Sciences' National Center for Educational Statistics Common Core of Data website and the state of Kentucky's website. This study examined the relationship between subgroup size, demographic data and the inclusion of the disabilities subgroup in middle grade AYP calculations. It also analyzed the organizational public documents from the websites of the United States Department of Education and Kentucky Department of Education to examine the alignment between their decision making processes with the intent of the No Child Left Behind Act. The study demonstrated that the increased subgroup size and middle grade demographics produced an increased exclusion of the disabilities subgroup. The document analysis indicated that the federal government's decision making process contributed greatly to this subgroup's increased exclusion. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]