In 2012, Shamokin Area High School declined further to School Improvement I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing all of the eight academic metrics in reading and mathematics. The school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school district must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students. The High School was eligible for special, extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.