|
August 24th, 2006
Four fast-rising Manatee County schools received special recognition Wednesday when they were named among the state's top schools when it comes to gains in student achievement.
The state rankings, which were issued by Florida Education Commissioner John L. Winn in Tallahassee, are part of the state's A+ Plan for Education and are based on the highest total point increases in school grade calculations compared to the previous school year.
Myakka City Elementary led the Manatee County charge by ranking eighth on a list of Florida's Top 100 Elementary Schools for Making Progress. On a scale of 1-500, Myakka City Elementary scored a total of 299 points in 2005, based on student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. In 2006, the school earned a score of 409 - an impressive increase of 110 points.
The increased point total at Myakka City Elementary helped the school boost its state grade from a D in 2005 -- to an A in 2006.
Two Manatee County middle schools made the list of the Top 75 Middle Schools for Making Progress in Florida. Nolan Middle School placed 31st and Lee Middle School ranked 72nd. Nolan improved its school score by 62 points and Nolan increased its total by 49 points from the previous school year. Based on the point increases, Nolan's school grade jumped from a B in 2005 to an A in 2006 and Lee's school grade leaped from a C to an A.
Bradenton Charter School, which operates under a performance contract with the Manatee County School District, ranked 40th on a list of the Top 50 Combination Schools for Making Progress after improving its score 43 points. Bradenton Charter School received a C grade from the state in 2006. Combination schools include charter schools as well as public schools which include a range of students outside of the traditional elementary, middle and high school models.
“These results are a reflection of all the hard work being done by our students and staff,” said Superintendent Roger Dearing. “All four of the schools that were recognized deserve the accolades and they provide inspiration and motivation for everyone in the school district.”