By Kellen Olshefski
SLN Staff
Two area schools were recognized as Title I Schools of Recognition for the 2015-2016 academic year at a ceremony Monday in Madison.
Both Reek Elementary School and Sharon Community School were recognized at the ceremony for their accomplishments.
According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, recognized schools receive Title I aid because they have significant numbers of students from low-income families.
Reek Elementary School was recognized as a high-progress school, meaning the school fell within the top 10 percent of schools experiencing growth n reading and mathematics for elementary and middle school students or the top 10 percent of schools with the greatest improvement in high school graduation rates. Additionally, to receive the recognition, the school had to have achievement gaps less than 3 points between students groups or show evidence of reducing gaps.
Sharon Community School was listed as a Beating-the-Odds school, meaning the school had to be in the top 25 percent of high-poverty schools in the state and have above-average students achievement in reading and mathematics, compared to schools from similarly sized districts, schools, grade configurations and poverty levels.
“Congratulations to these schools. They are examples of the academic success we need in all of our schools to close achievement gaps,” State Superintendent Tony Evers said in a press release.
“These awards recognize the work of students and their parents along with teachers, school administrators, and school staff members to break the link between poverty and low academic achievement.
“Their efforts will help us ensure that every student graduates college and career ready.”
