MADISON — Schools from around the state learned this week that they are among 135 being recognized for their success in educating students. All of the schools receive federal Title I funding to provide services to high numbers or high percentages of economically disadvantaged families. “The state’s Title I Schools of Recognition awards recognize the efforts of students, their families, teachers, school administrators, and school staff members to break the link between poverty and low academic achievement,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “Their success is something to celebrate.” The schools will be honored during a May 21 ceremony at the State Capitol. Schools meeting all criteria will receive a plaque at the awards ceremony. Additionally, five schools will receive commemorative flags for earning the award for five consecutive years. One school — Marengo Valley School in the Ashland School District — has earned the award for all 15 years of the program. The 2018 Title I Schools of Recognition include 24 High-Achieving schools, 40 High-Progress schools, and 87 Beating-the-Odds schools. Sixteen schools have earned honors in two categories. This year’s 135 Title I School of Recognition Award recipients include 111 elementary schools serving K-8 students, 18 middle or junior high schools, and six high schools.

North Elementary School in Antigo was named a Title I School in the Beating-the-Odds category.

Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition Criteria

Schools receive federal Title I aid when they have significant numbers of students from low-income families. The schools that earn recognition also must meet the state’s test-participation, attendance, and dropout goals as well as additional award criteria:

High-Achieving Schools

• have achievement gaps that are less than 3 points between student groups or show evidence of reducing gaps
• demonstrate high achievement at the school level

High-Progress Schools

• fall within the top 10 percent of schools experiencing growth in reading and mathematics for elementary and middle school students or the top 10 percent of schools with the greatest improvement in high school graduation rates
• have achievement gaps that are less than 3 points between student groups or show evidence of reducing gaps

Beating-the-Odds Schools

• are in the top 25 percent of high-poverty schools in the state
• have above-average student achievement in reading and mathematics when compared to schools from similarly sized districts, schools, grade configurations, and poverty levels