MEEKER | Meeker Elementary is one of up to 100 schools to be nationally recognized for exceptional student achievement in 2019. The National Association of ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) State Program Administrators has named the Meeker school a National ESEA Distinguished School.
The program publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. In place since 1996, the program showcases school success in one of three categories: 1. Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two consecutive years. 2. Closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years. 3. Excellent in serving special populations of students (e.g. homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.)
Meeker Elementary School received the Distinguished School award for the second category: closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides additional resources for vulnerable students and federal grants to state educational agencies to improve the quality of public elementary and secondary education.
The Association is a membership organization made up of State ESEA Program Administrators, and their staff from each of the states and territories, charged with managing their state federal education program. They ensure compliance with federal regulations, but more importantly, work to see that all children — especially those living in economically disadvantaged conditions — have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.
NAESPA implements the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program to highlight selected schools that have successfully used their ESEA federal funds to improve the education for all students–including economically disadvantaged students. More information about all National ESEA Distinguished Schools is available on the ESEA Network website: www.ESEAnetwork.org.
Special to the Herald Times