February 9, 2009

News Release

TISD Elementary Schools Recognized for Performance in Writing

Just for the Kids (JFTK) has selected Bell and Griffin elementary schools each as a 2008 Just for the Kids Higher Performing School in Texas based on their performance in writing. Both campuses were selected as a higher performing campus based on analyses conducted by the National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA), sponsor of the Just for the Kids Campaign.
 

“It is very exciting for our staff and students to be acknowledged for this award. Our entire campus is dedicated to achieving high levels of performance,” said Jane Bidlack, Principal of Bell Elementary School. “We appreciate the Just for Kids organization for recognizing and publicizing the achievement of our students. “ 
 

Griffin Elementary Principal, Cynthia Howland was also pleased with the news.  “It’s always an honor to be recognized in such a positive manner,” said Howland.  “Our teachers are rewarded for their hard work and determination to see all students succeed.  It also motivates our staff to continue to use research based practices and maintain high expectations for our students.” 
 

NCEA's analysis included student test results from spring 2006, 2007, and 2008. For grades 4 through 11, NCEA used an academic growth analysis that examines whether the students in each school perform above predicted based on their prior year's scores. Since students are not tested prior to third grade, NCEA looked at achievement levels of students from third grade who have been continuously enrolled in the school or district for three years or more, rather than prior test scores. In all cases, student and school demographics were taken into account in determining whether a school's students performed above predicted.

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