Hartselle schools honored for test achievement

By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle schools may have missed out on the educational money bandwagon, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t receiving recognition for outstanding tests scores.
Earlier this year, numerous schools showing improvement on standardized test scores received money from the Alabama Department of Education. To qualify for the financial awards, schools had to show improved test scores as well as poverty rates of at least 80 percent. Hartselle’s schools achieved the test score results but the area’s higher income levels prevented them from receiving the funds. Hartselle’s schools are being included, however, in the list of those making the grade.
Schools are recognized for achieving four goals. Advancing the Challenge schools are recognized for posting higher than state averages in reading and math tests. Meeting the Challenge schools are recognized for meeting all their yearly goals. Exceeding the Challenge schools are those with a subgroup of students, such as special education students or those receiving free or reduced lunches, that exceeded the state average in reading and math. Addressing the Challenge schools are those with a subgroup showing closure in the achievement gap of at least 15 percent in math and reading.
The criteria are set by the No Child Left Behind Act.
F.E. Burleson Elementary was recognized as a school Advancing the Challenge, Meeting the Challenge and Addressing the Challenge. The school’s subgroup of students receiving free or reduced lunches scored high enough to earn the Addressing the Challenge designation.
Scores by the same subgroup at Crestline Elementary’s earned it an Addressing the Challenge designation. It also achieved a Meeting the Challenge designation.
Barkley Bridge Elementary School and Hartselle High School were honored for Advancing the Challenge and Meeting the Challenge. Hartselle Junior High School was honored for Meeting the Challenge.
County schools were also among those honored.
West Morgan Elementary was recognized for Meeting and Advancing the Challenge. West Morgan Middle School was recognized for Meeting the Challenge and Addressing the Challenge in the free and reduced lunch subgroup.
Cotaco School, Danville High School, Danville Middle School, Danville-Neel Elementary School, Eva School, Falkville Elementary School, Falkville High School, Lacey’s Spring Elementary, Priceville Elementary School, Priceville High School, Ryan School, Sparkman Elementary and Union Hill were recognized for Meeting the Challenge.