Release Date:
Washington Achievement Award uses state’s Achievement Index to select recipients in seven categories of academic success.
OLYMPIA — April 17, 2017 — A total of 280 schools earned Washington Achievement Awards for the 2016 academic school year. Award-winning schools were notified this week via email by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal and State Board of Education Acting Chair Kevin Laverty. This is the eighth year that the state has recognized outstanding achievement in Washington schools.
The awards use the Washington State Achievement Index and are based on statewide assessment data for the three previous years. The Achievement Index measures school performance, emphasizing improvement and recognition. Schools must have at least 95 percent participation on state tests to qualify for recognition. Priority and Focus schools are only eligible for Closing the Achievement Gap. Find more information about Priority and Focus schools at k12.wa.us/StudentAndSchoolSuccess.
“I am proud to award nearly 300 schools with this honor,” said Superintendent Chris Reykdal, “These schools help Washington lead the way in innovative education and access to high-quality learning opportunities. To all of those honored, thank you for your dedication to Washington students, families, and the future.”
Schools are recognized in seven categories:
- Overall Excellence
- High Progress
- English Language Arts Growth
- Math Growth
- Extended Graduation Rate (only awarded to high and comprehensive schools)
- English Language Acquisition
- Closing the Achievement Gap
“The Achievement Awards recognize all the great work happening in Washington schools and the ways educators are making a difference in student outcomes,” said Kevin Laverty, State Board of Education Acting Chair. “It presents an opportunity to honor schools that are achieving at high levels, as well as schools that are making great growth.”
The award-winning schools will be honored during a ceremony on May 3 at Olympic Middle School in Auburn School District, which is an award winner for Closing the Achievement Gap.
The Achievement Index is the only statewide school accountability system recognized by both the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education. The Achievement Index measures student proficiency in math, English language arts, science, student growth, and college and career readiness. Educators, families, and community members can use the Index to identify areas of strength and improvement in Washington’s schools.
More Information
WAA criteria and list of winners
Washington State Achievement Index
Contact: Alissa Muller, SBE Communications Consultant, (360) 725-6501
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About the State Board of Education: The State Board of Education provides advocacy and strategic oversight of public education. The Board comprises 16 members: five are elected by school board directors, seven are appointed by the Governor, two serve as student representatives, and one serves as a private school representative. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is also a member. For more information on the State Board of Education: www.sbe.wa.gov
About OSPI: The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 education in Washington state. Led by State School Superintendent Chris ReykOSPI works with the state’s 295 school districts and nine educational service districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform on behalf of more than one million public school students.
OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director at (360) 725-6162 or P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200. For more information, visit the OSPI Web site at http://www.k12.wa.us.