149 schools earn New Wisconsin Promise recognition awards

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster has named 149 New Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition for the 2006-07 school year.

"New Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition are devoted to creating a learning climate that helps all children succeed," Burmaster said. "The teachers, parents, administrators, and other school staff members of these schools have a right to be proud of their efforts to close the achievement gap through consistent academic progress."

To be recognized, schools must be eligible to receive federal Title I funding and be among the highest poverty schools in the state based on free and reduced-price school lunch data. Additionally, student achievement must be above the state average for similar schools in both reading and mathematics, based on statewide assessments, and the school must have made adequate yearly progress for the past two years.

Of schools meeting all four criteria to receive awards, 67 are elementary schools, 42 are middle/junior high schools, and 40 are high schools. Fifty-six of the 2006-07 New Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition received the honor last year; 21 received the award for three consecutive years; and another 16 were recognized all four years of the program. Schools will receive a recognition plaque at an October 10 ceremony at the State Capitol, and $1,000 for use by the school.

"I have visited several of these award-winning schools and find them to be vibrant communities that embrace the belief that every child can learn," Burmaster said. "Educators, school board members, and civic, business and industry leaders all across the state can look to these schools as models for student engagement that ensures academic achievement and helps our efforts to close the achievement gap."

A list of New Wisconsin Promise Schools of Recognition by schools within districts follows the complete news release.

Last updated on 9/18/2006