Allentown, PA (February 25, 2016): Hiram W. Dodd Elementary School was awarded the 2015-2016 Distinguished Title I School honor under the federal guidelines for Title I Schools.
“The District is truly proud of the successes and awards received by Dodd Elementary School,” states Dr. Russell Mayo, Superintendent of the Allentown School District. “The dedication and hard work of the Dodd team under the direction of their Principal, Karen Boardman is to be commended. Their commitment to the students and their families is evident by their success.”
Each year, the Division of Federal Programs honors the top performing Title I schools in Pennsylvania. For the 2015-2016 school year, they have selected 96 Title I schools as Distinguished Schools based on specific school criteria. The Division of Federal Programs used the approved ESEA Flexibility Waiver designation of Reward: High Achievement and Reward: High Progress as selection parameters.
Reward—High Progress schools, which Dodd Elementary attained last year, are the highest 5% of all Title I schools based on aggregate progress in closing the achievement gap in Reading and Mathematics for PSSA
and/or Algebra I/Literature for Keystone Exams combined for the All Student group and the Historically Underperforming Student group. Reward – High Achievement schools are the highest 5% of Title I schools based on aggregate math and reading PSSA or Keystone scores and meeting all Annual Measurable Objectives.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Federal Programs, based this year’s criteria for the award on past data due to the delay in switching to the new assessments.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves approximately 17,000 students in a network of 21 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools located throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the fourth largest school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. A shared vision of the community, parents, guardians, staff and faculty focuses on “Empowering Students for Life,” providing ASD students with the skills and academics they need to realize their aspirations whether they be college, career or technical focus. ASD goals are aligned and compatible with the Pathways to Success Framework while providing a balanced education to all students. Allentown School District employs approximately 2,200 teachers, staff and administrators. The District, founded in 1866, serves students from 43 countries speaking 26 languages with more than 80 percent of ASD households qualifying as low income. The Allentown School District is committed to providing safe learning environments in which all students have equal access to education programs and resources. www.allentownsd.org
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
