This month, the Georgia Department of Education recognized schools deemed as 2023-24 Reward Schools. The Reward School designation recognizes Title I schools “making the most significant improvements,” according to a press release.
According to the press release, Reward Schools are among the greatest-improving 5% of Title I Schoolwide and Title I Targeted Assistance schools when comparing the content mastery scores from the 2021-22 and 2022-23 results of statewide assessments. Lakeview Primary represented Baldwin County on the list.
“The Title I Distinguished and Reward Schools have made significant efforts to overcome barriers, meet challenges, and produce great gains for their students,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said in the press release. “Together, these schools prove that with collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to success, all students can achieve their fullest potential.”
Lakeview Primary Principal Dr. Tracy Clark said the biggest honor of receiving the title was being able to show the hard work of the school.
“That hard work goes to our third-grade teachers at Lakeview Academy,” said Clark. “That’s where our score comes from. Our schools have worked hard to prepare students and being named a Reward School shows the dedication and commitment to continue to progress and close the achievement gap.”
Third graders are tested on reading and math. Primary students do not take the Georgia Milestones test, which is why the recognition is based only on third grade scores.
“Our scores have fluctuated from one year to the next and different groups of students.
We want to see progress and to close the achievement gap, but it depends on the students you have each year and where they’re starting,” said Clark.
Lakeview Primary provides professional learning on new standards, collaborative planning, new programs, and support in the classroom through minimizing numbers, offering assistance in the classroom, and offering early prevention for students to continue to improve scores and prepare students for the next grade.
“This designation is great. It gives our teachers the validation they deserve. They work extremely hard to ensure our students have everything they need to be successful,” said Clark. “My teachers and staff are flexible and will do whatever it takes to make students successful. I appreciate all their hard work and I am proud of them.”