Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools and Districts Awarded‏

State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox officially named Georgia's four Title I Distinguished Districts, two National Title I Distinguished Schools and 896 Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools at the State Board of Education meeting on Wednesday.

"These districts and schools are a prime example of the impact high expectations, hard work and collaboration can have on student achievement," Superintendent Cox said. "I'm thrilled to recognize the educators, students and parents in these schools and school districts."

Title I schools have a significant population of students who are economically disadvantaged and receive federal money to assist with the education of these students. The two National Title I Distinguished Schools are among the total 896 Georgia Title I Distinguished Schools. Title I Distinguished Schools have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) at least three years in a row.

"These 896 schools don't accept excuses," Superintendent Cox said. "There are high standards for students and high expectations for teachers. These schools are focused and determined -- and they are getting results."

Title I Distinguished Schools that have made AYP for three consecutive years are awarded a certificate, while those who have made AYP four or more years receive a monetary award, paid for out of federal funds. The number of Title I Distinguished Schools has grown significantly since 2003, when 116 schools were recognized.

Title I Distinguished Districts

The Title I Distinguished District award is given to four school systems in four different size categories -- Large District, Medium District, Small District and Very Small District. The awarded districts have closed the achievement gap the most between economically disadvantaged students and students who are not economically disadvantaged in each category. The results of the reading, English language arts and mathematics portions of the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) and the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) are used to determine achievement.

The 2009 Title I Distinguished Districts are:

* Large District: Henry County
* Medium: Marietta City
* Small District: Brooks County
* Very Small District: Chattahoochee County

The winning districts will each receive $50,000 from federal funds.

National Title I Distinguished Schools

The National Title I Distinguished Schools program recognizes two schools that receive Title I funding. One school is recognized for closing the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students and students that are not economically disadvantaged. The other school is recognized for exceeding the benchmarks required to make AYP. The CRCT and GHSGT results in reading, English language arts and mathematics are used to determine the winning schools.

The two National Title I Distinguished Schools are:

* Closing the Gap: Echols County Schools (9-12), Echols County
* Meets and Exceeds Performance: Gainesville High School, Gainesville City

Each of these schools will receive $15,000 in federal funds.

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