More good news for San Juan Schools

The Utah State Office of Education has recognized La Sal Elementary, Monticello Elementary and Bluff Elementary schools for achieving a high level of student academic achievement or significantly closing the achievement gap for students who struggle in school.

The criteria that Title I schools must meet to qualify for these awards includes:

• Utah High Performing Title I Schools Recognition

• Achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in both Language Arts and Mathematics for the previous two years;

• Achieve at or above the Utah state average in Language Arts and Mathematics on the most recent assessment; and

• Be nominated by their Superintendent for state recognition as a high performing Title I school.

La Sal Elementary and Monticello Elementary schools both qualified for this prestigious award. The schools achieved both the Adequate Yearly Progress for two consecutive years and met or exceeded the state average on the end-of-level core curriculum assessments.

State Average Proficiency Language Arts - 79 percent; Math - 77 percent.

La Sal Elementary Average Proficiency: Language Arts - 100 percent; Math - 100 percent.

Monticello Elementary Average Proficiency: Language Arts - 81 percent; Math - 89 percent

Utah Closing the Achievement Gap Title I School Recognition:

• Achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in both Language Arts and Mathematics for the previous two years;

• Reduce by at least 50 percent the achievement gap between certain disaggregated student groups and the whole school in Language Arts and Mathematics.

The comparison looks specifically at achievement of the following student groups: economically disadvantaged (ED), limited English proficient (LEP), and students with disabilities (SWD); and

• Be nominated by their Superintendent for state recognition as a Closing the Achievement Gap Title I School.

Bluff Elementary School received State recognition for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap for the subgroup of Economically Disadvantaged students.

School officials appreciate the leadership of Shelly Thayne, La Sal Lead Teacher; Lance Hatch, Principal at Monticello Elementary; and Monique McDermott, Principal at Bluff Elementary. Each believes San Juan District students can achieve at high levels and compete with other students in the state.

Officials acknowledge the dedication, hard work and support of teachers and parents who are truly on the front lines of student learning.