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The second annual Schools of Distinction Recognition Breakfast honored 73 schools in three categories: those with the highest overall student performance, those whose students made the most progress, and those with the highest performing subgroups of students, such as students living in poverty, black and Hispanic students, students who are learning English, and students with disabilities.
Weston high School and John Read Middle School were each recognized in the "Highest Overall Performance" category.
“These schools honored today show us that great things are possible with the right mix of innovation, resources, and a belief in doing what’s right for our children,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. “This distinction is earned through the grit, talent, and passion of the schools’ teachers and leaders. We are proud of them for their accomplishments and look forward to seeing such successes replicated for students across the state.”
The Department identified this year’s Schools of Distinction using 2012-13 Connecticut Mastery Test and Connecticut Academic Performance Test data. To qualify, schools must score high enough to be placed in Connecticut’s top school classification categories and must have made significant progress in closing the achievement gap for the majority of historically low-performing student subgroups.
Turnaround Office Division Director Morgan Barth announced a grant opportunity next year for Schools of Distinction to receive up to $50,000 and become a Spotlight School.
Winning schools will be able to use half of the award as they see fit, and will use the other half to create tools and resources for sharing best practices with Connecticut’s turnaround schools.
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