Yuma County schools' performance lauded

Five Title 1 schools across Yuma County were recently recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for their performance.

Dateland Elementary, Desert View Academy, Mesquite Elementary and Alice Byrne Elementary were recognized as Title 1 High Performing Reward schools for earning an A letter grade from the state, meeting Annual Measurable Objectives, having an above-average achievement and growth among bottom quartile students and a current year graduation rate greater than 80 percent.

Ed Pastor Elementary was named a High Performing and High Progress Reward school for meeting the above requirements as well as for having above-average growth for all students.

In a letter addressed to the campus principals, state Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal said, “Under your strong leadership, having met the above-mentioned criteria, your staff is equipping students within the skills needed for achieving college- and career-readiness and preparing them for the many choices and challenges they will encounter beyond high school. We will be striving throughout this year to find ways to recognize or highlight your school. Again, I commend you and your staff on your excellent education results uplifting the quality of education for Arizona's students.”

The U.S. Department of Education approved Arizona's Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Request in July. Due to this approval, Arizona now has a recognition and accountability system for Title 1 schools that are tied to Arizona's A-F letter grade system.

Visit www.azed.gov/eseawaiver for more details about Arizona's approved ESEA Flexibility Request.

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.