(Lewiston). Thirty-one different Idaho schools walked away with fifty-seven Distinguished School or Additional Yearly Growth awards this morning. Representatives from schools throughout Idaho were honored by the Idaho State Board of Education as part of the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting. The awards are given annually in October by the Board based on school’s performance on the Idaho Standard Achievement Test (ISAT).
“These schools represent the best of the best,” said State Board President Paul Agidius. “The dedication of their teachers, staff, administrators and parents, combined with the commitment of the students result in what you’re seeing here today”, added Agidius.
Four (4) schools, Sacajawea Elementary of Caldwell, Ridge Crest Elementary of Blackfoot and Groveland Elementary, also of Blackfoot were recognized as the 2009 Distinguished School Award winners. Groveland was singled out by winning the award in two different categories, an incredible achievement. To be designated a Distinguished School, a school must be in the top 5% of schools who make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years, and reduce the gap in groups or sub-groups by at least 10%.
Fifty-three (53) schools earned the Additional Yearly Growth Award for 2009. To earn an Additional Yearly Growth Award, a school must make AYP two consecutive years and show an improvement of at least 10% in one of the designated groups or subgroups.
Van Buren Elementary of the Caldwell School District lead the state with seven (7) Additional Yearly Growth Awards. In addition to Van Buren and Sacajawea Elementary Schools, Wilson Elementary of Caldwell was also recognized.
Lakeside Middle School of Plummer Worley, Seltice Elementary of Post Falls, Sorenson Elementary of Coeur d’Alene along with McSorely Elementary of Lewiston were all present to receive their awards directly from the Board.
“It’s so inspiring to see what you are doing on campus,” said Board vice president Richard Westerberg of Preston. “We recognize that you are being asked to do more with less each and every day and the fact you keep delivering and at this level is really quite remarkable.”
Board staff will present the awards to schools that were unable to be honored in person with the Board over the next two weeks. That schedule is set as follows:
Interested media, members of the community and parents are encouraged to attend any of the presentations.
Click here to view the entire list of schools earning awards this year