Maryland Recognizes Schools for Achievement, Improved Performance

[Howard Hartman]

For Immediate Release	March 8, 2012

Maryland Recognizes Schools for
Achievement, Improved Performance

BALTIMORE, MD (March 8, 2012) – The Maryland State Department of Education is recognizing 384 elementary and middle schools and 70 high schools across the State for the academic performance of their students.

The recognition program honors schools for their performance on the 2011 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) or the High School Assessment (HSA), and for improving the performance of special populations of students. Only schools that made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the 2010-2011 school year were eligible for the recognition.

Special populations are subgroups that include race/ethnicity, special education, limited English proficiency, and students who are receiving free or reduced price meals. The program, established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1996, is now required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The new ESEA flexibility application addresses recognition of school achievement. The flexibility will allow Maryland to focus on rewarding schools making improvement while redistributing funds to help all schools continue to make improvements.

“The School Recognition Program allows us to celebrate the remarkable work of educators and students as they meet the increasingly difficult academic standards,” said Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky. “Maryland schools were recognized as the nation’s best for the fourth straight year, and the effort put forth in the classroom is a primary factor for this success.”

In the past, Title I elementary and middle schools received modest financial awards for instructional activities and equipment to improve student performance and family involvement. However, this year there are no Title I funds available to support financial awards.

For a list of schools being honored

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