Allentown, PA (December 16, 2016): Allentown School District is pleased to announce that both Hiram W. Dodd and Ritter Elementary Schools are being awarded the 2016-2017 Distinguished Title I School for High Progress under the federal guidelines for Title I Schools. It is the third year in a row for Dodd and the second year in a row for Ritter to receive this level of distinction.
“The District could not be more proud of these two elementary schools’ success” states Dr. Gary R. Cooper, Interim Superintendent of the Allentown School District. “The dedication of these principals, teachers, staff, students and their families is the reason they are being honored as top performers. The Dodd and Ritter teams are to be commended for their commitment to student achievement.”
Each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Division of Federal Programs honors the top performing Title I schools in Pennsylvania. This year, they are using the approved ESEA Flexibility Waiver designation of Reward: High Achievement and Reward: High Progress. Reward: High Achievement schools are the highest 5% of Title I schools based on aggregate math and reading PSSA or Keystone scores that also met all Annual Measurable Objectives (AMOs). Reward: High Progress schools are the highest 5% Title I schools based on a composite of the math and English Language Arts (ELA) Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System (PVAAS) indices for the schools. Schools also met participation and graduation/attendance AMOs.
“We are truly pleased that these two schools are being awarded for their efforts,” adds Kimberly Walck, Director of Grants and Development for the District. “Because of their success and commitment to working together toward best practices, both Dodd and Ritter are eligible to apply for additional Title I funding only available to Rewards Schools. Last year, Dodd applied for and received $50,000 in funding to provide even more programming to their school.”
The Division of Federal Programs has selected 179 Title I schools to be named Distinguished Schools based on that criterion. It was the basis of this criterion that both Dodd and Ritter Elementary School were selected.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 17,000 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools located throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the third largest urban 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 and celebrating its Sesquicentennial throughout 2015-2016, serves students from 43 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent of households qualifying as low income. ASD is committed to providing safe learning environments in which all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
