LPS Recognized with Distinction in Performance
Liberty Public Schools was among 24 school districts to receive the Distinction in Performance recognition from the Kansas City and St. Joseph Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDC’s) and the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City (CSDGKC).
The recognition was awarded at the annual DESE-CSDGKC Awards Banquet, held March 31 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City.
Distinction in Performance requires a school district to perform at a high level or make steady progress in all areas of academic achievement. During the 2008-2009 academic year, 319 of Missouri’s 523 public school districts qualified for this recognition, which is sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The Distinction in Performance award criterion is based on the 14 academic performance standards used in the accreditation of K-12 school districts. K-8 districts use a portion of these standards. These standards are measured by the Missouri Assessment Plan tests, graduation rate, attendance, and ACT scores.
“To qualify for Distinction in Performance, a school district must be achieving at a high level or be making consistent progress at all grade levels. School districts work hard to achieve this recognition,” said DESE Assistant Commissioner Stan Johnson.
“I commend Missouri educators and students for their hard work and progress. By maintaining a strong focus on achievement and accountability in all schools, we can help all students have a brighter future,” said Dr. Gayden Carruth, Executive Director of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City.
“Today, we recognize the superb efforts of many in attaining the high level of achievement required to earn this prestigious honor,” said DESE representative Dr. Tony Stansberry.
To qualify for the award, K-8 districts must have met 6 of 7 performance standards, including all of those based on the results of MAP tests. K-12 districts must have met 13 out of 14 standards, including all of the MAP-based measures.”
Also congratulating the districts were Dr. Wanda Blanchett, Dean, UMKC School of Education, and Linda Costner, Director of the Kansas City RPDC. Representing the St. Joseph RPDC was Sherry Copeland. State School Board Member Reverend Stan Archie was the featured speaker for the event.
The Distinction in Performance award winners were officially announced by DESE in December 2009.
