Title I Recognition and Awards Program

Academic Achievement and Distinguished Schools Awards

Program Purpose: To recognize and honor those Title I elementary and secondary schools that exceed adequate yearly progress two or more consecutive years, or make the greatest gains in closing the achievement gap between student groups and to identify Title I schools as models of best practices for schools of similar demographics identified for school improvement. Schools receiving monetary awards under this program must use the funds for instructional purposes to enhance academic programs for student achievement.

Schools receive Academic Achievement Awards for each of the following categories:

• Exceed Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) two or more years in Reading and Mathematics
• Exceed Academic Performance Index (API) two or more years in Mathematics
• Exceed API two or more years in Reading
• Close the gap between subgroups in Reading and Mathematics
• Close the gap between subgroups in Reading
• Close the gap between subgroups in Mathematics

Oklahoma Title I Distinguished Schools are schools that have achieved exemplary or high evidence in at least one of the following categories:

• Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years
• Outstanding gains in closing the achievement gap between student groups in Reading and Mathematics

Program Statute: Public Law 107 - 110 § 117 (b)(1)(2) and Public Law 107 - 110 § 117 34 CFR 200.40

Funding Source: Federal

Timeline: Fall/Winter - Title I Awards Schools selected by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and recommended to the State Board of Education
Winter/Spring - Awards granted to schools

Eligible Recipients: To receive an Academic Achievement Award, schools must:

• Be Title I schools
• Have at least 75% poverty
• Meet or exceed state standards for making AYP for two or more years
• Meet or exceed the state average in reading and math
• Have an Academic Performance Index (API) minimum of 1000 for at least three years

To be recognized as a Distinguished School, schools must:

• Be Title I schools
• Have at least 75% poverty
• Demonstrate high academic achievement for two or more consecutive years
• Meet or exceed state standards for making AYP for two or more years
• Meet or exceed the state average in reading and math

Distinguished Schools Selection Process:

I. The State identifies eligible schools for site visits based on a desk review of:

• Student Achievement Data;
• Meets or Exceeds Adequate Yearly Progress;
• Poverty Data; and
• Recognition History

II. The state contacts each school identified to determine whether the school would like to apply to participate in the National Recognition Program. In order to apply the school must:

• Complete a Participation Form
• Complete a School Description
• Agree to a Site Visit

III. A site visit is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the school in the following areas:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Providing Opportunities for All Children to Achieve
• Coordination with Other Programs
• Professional Development
• Partnerships with Parents/Families/Communities

IV. Schools are to receive one of the following ratings in each category:

• Exemplary
• High Evidence
• Moderate Evidence
• No Evidence

Only schools that receive ratings of "Exemplary" or "High Evidence" in each of the categories may be nominated for national recognition.

Distinguished School Award Recipients:
2011-12 • 2010-11 • 2009-10 • 2008-09 • 2007-08 • 2006-07 • 2005-06 • 2004-05 • 2002-03 • 2000-01

Academic Achievement Award Recipients:
2010-11 • 2009-10 • 2008-09