By Michael V. Hannigan
The U.S. Department of Education released its list of Reward Schools last weekend, and two county schools earned the top designation.
The list identifies High Performing Schools and High Progress Schools based on 2013 accountability reports.
High Performing Schools are schools that have received “distinction designations based on math and reading performance, and at the high school level, is also among the Title I schools with the highest graduation rates; or (2) has exceeded (Adequate Yearly Progress) for two or more consecutive years.”
Henderson County schools named High Performing were: Malakoff Elementary and Cross Roads Junior High. Also on the list is Martin’s Mill High School.
Malakoff Elementary Principal Ronny Snow said there were only 16 campuses in Region 7 — which includes 14 counties — to receive the High Performing rating.
“What a great staff we have,” said Snow. “It just shows that they are one of the best staffs in the state. They go above and beyond, I assure you, and they work a lot of hours they aren’t paid for.”
“They never cease to amaze me,” he said.
Cross Roads ISD Superintendent Leland Hand could not be reach for comment this week.
High Progress Schools are schools that are “in the top 25 percent in annual improvement and/or schools in the top 25 percent of those demonstrating ability to close performance gaps based on system safeguards.”
Henderson County area schools named High Progress Schools were: Cross Roads Elementary, Cross Roads Junior High, Tool Elementary, Martin’s Mill High School, Mabank High School, Mabank Intermediate and Mabank Junior High.
Based on scores, schools can be on both lists.
Way to go CR!