A total of 413 Washington State schools were recently notified that they are 2013 Washington Achievement Award winners. Winners were notified Monday, April 22, via email from state Schools Superintendent Randy Dorn and state Board of Education Chair Dr. Kristina Mayer.
Based on data from up to three years, Ocosta Junior Senior High School received the special recognition High Progress award as one of Washington State’s top performing schools.
Recognition categories
Schools are recognized as top performers in one of six categories:
• Overall Excellence
• High Progress
• Reading Growth
• Math Growth
• Extended Graduation Rate (awarded to high schools and comprehensive schools only)
• English Language Acquisition
Ocosta Junior Senior High School qualified for High Progress recognition because it is in the top 10% of schools making the most progress in the performance of the “ all students group” over three years.
Progress determination
Progress is determined in two ways:
Reading and math achievement (combined). The Progress Score (PS) is computed by adding an Achievement Score (A) and an Improvement Score (I). Therefore, PS=A+I.
• Achievement Score - The Achievement Score is an average of proficiency rates in both reading and math for the past three years. Schools must have tested students in both reading and math for each year. Reading and math are weighted equally.
• Improvement Score - The Improvement Score is an average of improvement trends from year to year for the past three years (2010 to 2011; 2011 to 2012; and 2012 to 2013). Schools must have tested students in both reading and math for each year. Reading and math are weighted equally.
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education sponsor the Washington Achievement Award. Award winners are selected using the state’s Accountability Index and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Waiver.
“So many schools in our state are doing good work to make a difference for kids. These awards represent some of the best. It’s an honor to recognize them and celebrate their success,” said Dorn in announcing the awards.
Achievement Index
The Washington State Achievement Index is designed as a unified state and federal system intended to meaningfully differentiate among schools. It is a snapshot of a school’s performance based on statewide assessments.
Schools are compared on how they perform in reading, writing, math, science, and graduation rates. The achievement index is a joint project between the State Board of Education and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
“It is important that we use the revised Achievement Index to not only provide feedback to schools and districts on their progress, but also to identify schools with exemplary student performance,” said Mayer. “These awards shine the light on what is working well in schools across Washington.”
The award-winning schools were honored at a ceremony on April 24 at Timberline High School in Lacey. Ocosta Jr/Sr High Principal Brian Hunter and Ocosta School District Superintendent Dr. Paula Akerlund participated in the awards ceremony.
