TWO LOUISIANA SCHOOLS EARN NATIONAL DISTINCTION FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE

Dec 19, 2016

BATON ROUGE, La. - Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy in Jefferson Parish and South Beauregard Upper Elementary School in Beauregard Parish have been named National Title I Distinguished Schools by the National Title I Association for exceptional performance for two or more years.
 
"The Louisiana Department of Education is committed to continually raising the bar for student achievement, and this national recognition is a testament to our progress," said State Superintendent John White. "These distinguished schools, along with their students, educators and communities, should be commended for their commitment to advancing learning opportunities for all students and for making significant gains."

The National Title I Association's Distinguished Schools Program annually recognizes two schools in every state that are identified as Title I. Title I schools, a designation based on the percentage of their students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, receive additional federal funding to support populations of at-risk or economically-disadvantaged students through enhanced programming.

To be selected, schools must have a calculated 35 percent or higher poverty rate for each year indicated and either demonstrate high academic achievement for two or more consecutive years or significantly close the achievement gap between specific student groups and their peers.

Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy was recognized in the category of "Exceptional Student Performance for Two or More Years." Students there have consistently met or exceeded expectations for high academic achievement.

South Beauregard Upper Elementary School was recognized in the category of "Closing the Achievement Gap" for their work improving the educational performance of students that have historically struggled.

Both schools have been invited to attend at the National Title I Conference in Long Beach, California, on February 22-25, where they will be honored among distinguished schools nationwide.

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