Tekoa, Garfield schools named as Schools of Distinction

At the award ceremony at the ESD in Spokane are, left to right, Tekoa's Dr. Connie Kliewer, superintendent; Tina Fisher, first grade; Bobette Rambo, kindergarten; Kim Schulz, fourth grade, and Michael McHargue, board of directors chair.

Dan Kallaher, Garfield/Palouse Middle School math teacher, and Zane Wells, Garfield superintendent/principal, proudly display their School of Distintion award.

Two area schools made the 2016 Washington School of Distinction list.

Released recently by the Center for Educational Excellence (CEE), Tekoa Elementary School earned the mark for the second year while Garfield/Palouse Middle School was named for the first time.

Sustained improvement over a five-year period in English/language arts (ELA), math and graduation rate is the reason for 94 schools across Washington State being recognized with the 2016 School of Distinction award.

The criteria is sustained improvement in English/language arts and math.

The Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) works in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington School Directors' Association (WSSDA) and the Washington State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (WSASCD).

High schools are recognized for sustained improvement in graduation rate over the past five years.

Created in the summer of 2007, the School of Distinction (SOD) awards recognize the highest improving schools in Washington state.

The awards are not intended as a replacement for state and federal accountability measures of school performance, but as a supplemental measure to recognize and celebrate school staff, students and leaders who improve performance for all students over a sustained period of time.

The 94 schools named span all regions of the state, from large, urban to small, rural communities and represent all nine Educational Service Districts (ESD). Some of the student populations in these schools are as high as 98.5 percent poverty, and 67 percent English language learners, as well as high numbers in special education.

“Even though the diversity and context of the communities served by each of these schools across our state are vastly different, the hard work represented by this award is the same and the students are the real winners,” said Greg Lodbell, CEO and director of research for CEE.

One school on this year's list, Wilson High School in Tacoma, has received six consecutive School of Distinction awards. Four schools received their fifth award, and five received their fourth. Seven schools were named for their third, and 40 schools earned a second. A final 36 got the award for the first time.

“As we continue to move forward with new standards and state assessments, we continue to see our schools rise to the challenge,” said John Welch, superintendent of the Puget Sound ESD and President of AESD leaders. “This award process highlights our schools' achievements and the need to continue to support the dedicated and talented professionals who serve our students and their families.”

The Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) is a service, consulting and research organization dedicated to the mission of partnering with K-12 schools to improve student learning.