Eight schools in the Kent School District have been awarded 2013 Washington Achievement Awards. One school, Martin Sortun Elementary, won four awards. The Washington Achievement Award is sponsored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. Award winners are selected from indexes and data the state collects from standardized tests.
Schools are recognized in several categories:
• Overall Excellence
• High Progress
• Reading Growth
• Math Growth
• Extended Graduation Rate (awarded to high schools and comprehensive schools only)
• English Language Acquisition
Schools who received special recognition in reading growth include Carriage Crest, Grass Lake, and Martin Sortun elementary schools and Kentridge High School.
Schools qualify for special recognition in reading growth when they are in the top 5 percent based on median growth percentiles in reading. MGPs summarize student growth.
Schools that received awards for High Progress are Kent Mountain View Academy, Kentwood High School, Mattson Middle School, and Martin Sortun Elementary School.
The schools qualified for the High Progress award by being in the top 10 percent of schools making the most progress in the performance of all students over three years.
Kent-Meridian High School received special recognition in English Language Acquisition.
Kent-Meridian is in the top 5 percent highest performing schools based on the median point gain on the Washington English Language Proficiency Assessment.
Martin Sortun Elementary School received additional awards: Overall Excellence and Special Recognition in Math Growth.
Schools qualify for special recognition in math growth when they are in the top 5 percent based on MGPs in math.
“We are proud of these schools and honored to be recognized by Washington State for exceptional student achievement,” said Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas.
Award-winning schools will be honored at a ceremony with other schools throughout the state on April 24 at Timberline High School in Lacey.
More information about Washington Achievement Awards, award criteria, and a list of all winners: http://www.k12.wa.us/EducationAwards/WashingtonAchievement
