“Independent charter schools continue to be among the highest-performing schools in Milwaukee and in the state,” said Sean Roberts, Executive Director of the Advocates. “We congratulate each of our members who won an award and all of schools honored who are exceeding the norm.”
State Superintendent Tony Evers announced a total of 167 awards for the 2013-14 school year. All schools honored receive federal Title I aid because they have significant numbers of students from low income families. All schools also meet the state’s test participation, attendance, and dropout (avoidance) goals. The members of the Advocates who earned awards were honored in the “Beating the Odds” category which is distinguished by these two characteristics:
· Are in the top 25 percent of high-poverty schools in the state; and
· Have above-average student achievement in reading and mathematics when compared to similar schools based on size, district, grade configurations, and poverty levels.
Of the 20 Milwaukee schools that won the Beating the Odds award, independent charter schools represent 30% of them. Members of the Advocates to win the award for the first time are:
· International Peace Academy
· Tenor High School
Members to win the award for two or more years include:
· Bruce Guadalupe Middle School
· Hmong American Peace Academy
· Milwaukee College Preparatory School-36th St. Campus
· Seeds of Health Elementary School