NEW LEBANON –The New York State Education Department (SED) announced April 24 that Walter B. Howard Elementary School (WBH) was named a 2019-2020 Recognition School. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, Recognition Schools are those with high academic achievement and strong progress, that also perform acceptably for all subgroups for which they are accountable. This year’s designees represent 13 percent of state public schools.
“It is such an honor to be recognized by the state for the work our staff does every day with our students. It is a testament to our entire staff who are dedicated to making Walter B. Howard a special place for our kids. It is humbling to see that dedication recognized and I couldn’t be prouder of our team,” WBH Principal Andrew Kourt said in a press release.
“Our team at Walter B. Howard is simply wonderful. The care they have for our students, the way they consistently connect with families and work together to give students the very best in one of their most critical developmental phases is evident. They deserve this recognition and I am so very proud of them,” Superintendent Leslie Whitcomb said in the release.
“Recognition schools are the highest performing and rapidly improving schools across the state. Recognition Schools across the state demonstrate the relentless commitment of teachers, administrators, staff and parents, without whom this growth would not have been possible,” Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe said.
To be identified as a Recognition School, a school must: have an accountability status of “Good Standing”; have a Level 4 for the Combined Composite Performance and Growth indicator for elementary and middle schools or a Level 4 for the Combined Composite Performance and Graduation Rate for high schools for the All Students group: not have a Level 1 for any accountability indicator (English language arts and mathematics progress; Chronic Absenteeism; English language Proficiency; College, Career, and Civic Readiness for High Schools) for the All Students group; not have any subgroups that were identified as Potential Targeted Support and Improvement (PTSI) based on 2018-19 school year results; and not have a 2018-19 Participation Rate for ELA or Math for the All Students group that is less than 95%. If a school did not have enough students to receive a participation rate, the school is still eligible to be identified as a Recognition School.
To learn more and see the full list of Recognition schools, visit nysed.gov.