Wis consin School of Recognition Awards go to 154 Schools (WI)
September 1, 2010
Schools throughout Wisconsin will be starting the 2010-11 academic year receiving honors for their success in educating students from low-income families, said State Superintendent Tony Evers as he announced 154 Wisconsin School of Recognition awards.
“These schools are committed to forging partnerships among teachers, parents, administrators, other school staff members, and the community to create an educational environment that supports children’s learning,” Evers said. “This award honors success and sets a tone for the 2010-11 school year: to start strong and accomplish even more progress in educating our students.”
The schools receiving awards have some of the highest poverty rates in the state based on free and reduced-price school lunch data. Student achievement on the 2009-10 state reading and mathematics examinations was above average for schools from similarly sized districts, schools, grade configurations, and poverty levels. Each school also met adequate yearly progress for the past two years. Additionally, the schools either are Title I eligible or receive Title I funding to provide services to high numbers or high percentages of economically disadvantaged children.
Schools meeting all four criteria will receive a plaque at an Oct. 18 awards ceremony at the State Capitol and $2,000 for use by the school. During the awards ceremony, five schools will receive flags for earning the Wisconsin School of Recognition award for five consecutive years. Another 17 schools have received the award for more than five years. This year’s 154 Wisconsin School of Recognition Award recipients include 96 elementary schools, 34 middle or junior high schools , and 24 high schools.
“The link between poverty and educational challenge is one these schools are breaking through rigorous programming and attention to student needs,” Evers said. “The staff and administration of these schools know how important it is that every child graduate with the knowledge and skills needed for the workforce or further education.”