The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has selected Gallatin R-5, Winston R-6 and Tri-County R-7 school districts to receive its new “Distinction in Performance” award, which will be given annually to all districts that demonstrate consistent gains in academic performance. Of Missouri’s 524 public school districts, 181 were recognized for the award.
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The State Board of Education and top officials of the Department will formally recognize the school officials and board members in a banquet on April 9 at the Regional Professional Development Center in Maryville.
The new award is based on the districts’ Annual Performance Reports, which are tabulated each year by the Department. The Annual Performance Report is based on the same criteria used in the accreditation standards for school districts. These include MAP test scores, ACT test scores, attendance and dropout rates, and other academic performance measures.
To qualify for Distinction in Performance, K-12 school districts had to meet 11 of 12 performance indicators during the last school year. K-8 school districts were recognized if they met 5 out of 6 possible performance indicators.
Although the new award is based on the state’s accreditation standards, it does not affect a district’s overall accreditation status. Districts are reviewed and accredited once every five years; the new Distinction in Performance designation will be awarded annually.
“The Distinction in Performance award is designed to recognize students and teachers each year for their efforts in improving overall academic achievement. We hope this honor will serve as a way for school districts and communities to celebrate their role in meeting Missouri’s high educational standards,” said Commissioner of Education D. Kent King.