Submitted by the Olympia School District
A record number of Olympia School District schools have earned the state’s highest honor for academic success — the annual Washington Achievement Award — for the 2016 academic school year.
Three of the district’s middle schools and four elementary schools have been recognized with nine Washington Achievement Awards, according to information released April 17 by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The following seven district schools, listed in alphabetical order along with the categories of recognition, will be honored during a statewide ceremony on May 3 in Auburn:
- Boston Harbor Elementary School: Overall Excellence
- Garfield Elementary School: Special Recognition English Language Arts Growth
- Jefferson Middle School: Overall Excellence, Special Recognition Math Growth, Special Recognition English Language Arts Growth
- Marshall Middle School: Special Recognition Math Growth
- McKenny Elementary School: Special Recognition Math Growth
- McLane Elementary School: Closing the Achievement Gap (students with disabilities)
- Washington Middle School: High Progress
“I want to congratulate these seven schools for this important statewide distinction,” said Olympia School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich. “Thanks to the students, staff, parents and community members for their continued hard work and dedication. All of our schools are working extremely hard to help every student succeed, and it’s nice to see these schools be recognized.”
Schools are selected for recognition using the Washington State Achievement Index — a measure used to compare how well schools perform, emphasizing improvement and recognition. The recognitions 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.
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
There are more than 2,200 public schools in Washington state, and 280 are being recognized this year.
“I am proud to award nearly 300 schools with this honor,” said state 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.”
