News release

June 16, 2011

For more information:

Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4040

gayle.pauley@k12.wa.us

Jackson and Madison elementaries among only 57 schools to earn federal award

Work to improve reading and math skills for three consecutive years earns $5,500

Jackson and Madison elementary schools will each have an additional $5,550 dollars next school year to

continue the good work they’ve done for the last three years to improve math and reading skills of their

students and to close the achievement gap. Officially called

Title I, Part A Improvement Awards,

these

recognitions for quality education come from the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act

(ESEA).

Each school was selected based upon how well its students did on state tests. To be eligible for the

award, schools must:

1. Make

Adequate Yearly Progress

(AYP) for three years (2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10).

2. Be Title I-funded for the past three years (2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10). Title I schools are those

schools with at least 40 percent of their student families at or below the poverty level.

3. Show overall improvement in mathematics and/or reading proficiency and make significant gains to

close the achievement gap.

Superintendent Gary Cohn congratulated both schools for demonstrating, “It is possible, with strategic

work and strong community support, to help

each

student achieve. ‘Each’ student is at the heart of our

mission. The entire community has reason to be proud of students and staff earning the award this year

and those that have done so in the past.”

This is the second time Madison and Jackson have been recognized with this Title I honor. Also earning

the award in the past are Emerson, Whittier and Silver Lake elementary schools.

Madison Principal Mark Toland noted, “It is nice to receive this type of recognition, and we very much

appreciate it. This helps validate the hard work our staff does with students each day.”

This is Robin Imai’s first year as principal of Jackson Elementary. “Jackson’s families and staff have a

strong history as a community of learners. It is no surprise that their work is once again being recognized

as making such a difference for students. I’m pleased to be working with such an effective team and

proud to continue supporting their good work.”

Gayle Pauley, who oversees Title I at the state level said, “It is not often that I have the opportunity to

provide a monetary award to schools for their outstanding efforts in working with our children. I thank you

and your entire staff for the great work you have done in supporting your students.” Only 57 schools

across the state of Washington earned the award this year.

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