DPS’ Bates, Cass Tech, Chrysler, Harms, Kettering West Wing and Ludington Magnet – among the Michigan Department of Education’s “Beating the Odds” Schools added to the List of Reward Schools for 2011-2012

MDE released this year’s list of “Beating the Odds” (BTO) schools for 2011-12 on Tuesday, November 20, 2012. According to MDE, based on traditional risk factors to student achievement, BTO schools either outperform their expected ranking or outperform similarly-situated schools.

What’s really exciting is that these schools will also now be deemed Reward Schools as well!

In August 2012, 286 schools in Michigan were recognized as Reward Schools for high-performance or high progress in terms of student achievement.

According to Tuesday’s announcement by MDE, the Reward School designation is part of Michigan’s comprehensive, new accountability system authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility Request approved by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition to being publicly recognized for their achievement, Reward Schools will have opportunities to highlight their promising practices at state and local events for educators and the Michigan Department of Education is seeking other supports for Reward Schools such as increased flexibility in the use of federal funds and corporate or philanthropic support.

The Michigan Department of Education surveyed all BTO schools regarding which factors contributing to their success. Top factors were:

• Highly effective and committed school staff
• A culture of high expectations for students
• Use of data to inform decisions
• Strong district and school leadership
• Implementing a system of tiered interventions
• Additional tutoring or targeted assistance for students

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Revised: 11/27/12 18:31:32 -0800.