Star Lake Honored with School of Distinction Award For Long-Term Academic Improvement
Star Lake Elementary School was recently recognized for long-term academic improvement as a recipient of the 2010 School of Distinction Award from the Center for Educational Effectiveness and the Washington State chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. The award is given annually to schools that achieve outstanding long-term improvement in academics as demonstrated on state assessments. This marks the second year Star Lake has received the award.
To earn recognition, schools were evaluated on combined Reading and Math Improvement over 2005 to 2010 state assessments in grades four, seven and 10. The top 5% of elementary schools, middle/junior high schools, and high schools are designated as a School of Distinction. Evaluators consider state test results from all schools in the state. This year, 94 schools were honored with the award.
The recognition is a special honor for Star Lake, a school that achieves success amidst increasing challenges. Currently, 60 percent of Star Lake students qualify for free or reduced lunch and 28 percent are English Language Learners. “Over the past five years, our demographics have changed dramatically. We have gone from a neighborhood school to a high needs elementary,” said principal Mindy Thompson.
“Our single mission is to make every child matter and every moment count,” Thompson said. “Much of our success over the past years can be attributed to responding early to students who show us that they are struggling in math and reading, providing individualized intervention and monitoring their progress carefully.
“This award is a tribute to our whole staff - from our teachers to our playground supervisors, office staff, lunchroom supervisors, it’s everyone,” Thompson said. “It is clearly a united effort at Star Lake.”
The Center for Educational Effectiveness was founded in 2002. They conduct and disseminate action research, partner with state and local agencies/organizations, and provide data services and support for school and district improvement planning. The School of Distinction Awards is a collaborative project with OSPI that began in 2007. More information can be found at http://www.effectiveness.org.
Posted: November 4, 2010