Bellevue, WA—Sustained improvement over a five year period in reading/English language arts (ELA), math, and graduation rate is the reason for 90 schools across Washington State being recognized with the 2015 School of Distinction award today.

These schools represent 51 elementary, 20 middle/junior high and 21 high schools which also include five alternative schools in these numbers. Two of these schools have awards in both elementary and middle/junior high schools. The Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), and the Washington Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (WASCD), have recognized schools in the top 5% of improvement for their levels. Elementary and middle schools are recognized for sustained improvement in reading/ELA and math achievement. High schools are recognized for sustained improvement in graduation rate over the past five years. These 90 schools span all regions of the state, from large urban to small rural communities. Some of the student populations in these schools are as high as 97% poverty, 67% English language learners, as well as serving high numbers of challenged learners in special education. As Greg Lobdell, CEE CEO and Director of Research states, “These schools demonstrate that significant improvement is occurring across all our diverse public schools.” This year represents the ninth year that CEE and partners have recognized schools with the School of Distinction award.

Each Educational Service District in the state will be hosting an award ceremony for the schools served in their region. Dates for these celebrations will be announced through local press releases. Dr. Rich McBride, Superintendent of the North Central ESD in Wenatchee and leading this work as President of the AESD leaders group stated, “In a year of unprecedented change across our state with new Common Core State standards and new Smarter Balanced Assessments, it is cause for celebration to see so many schools rising to these challenges and causing great improvement for our students. This award process highlights our need to continue to support improvement efforts of our schools and the dedicated and talented leaders and staffs that make this kind of increased student achievement happen. Our congratulations to the staff, students, leaders, and communities across our state for their exceptional efforts in service to our students.”

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.