Two Guilford County elementary schools were among 78 across North Carolina recognized as Title I reward schools; six schools in Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties were also named; Buncombe County Schools had eight schools on the list.
Title I schools typically have large concentrations of students from low-income families.
Title I “reward schools” are Title I schools that have significant academic achievement.
A “highest performing school” is among the top 10 percent Title I schools in the state based on standardized test performance, according to the department website.
A “high progress school” is among the 10 percent of Title I schools in the state making the most academic progress for all students, according to the department website.
Members of the Title I Distinguished Schools Advisory Council will review the portfolios and, along with on-site visits, determine one school for each category to represent North Carolina in the national Title I Distinguished Schools Program.
Title I is the largest federal education funding program for schools with high percentages of children living in poverty. Its aim is to help students who are behind academically or at risk of falling behind. A school’s eligibility is determined by the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price meals.
State Superintendent June Atkinson congratulated staff and students at these schools, saying, “It is no small accomplishment when high poverty schools are recognized for strong student achievement. By maintaining high expectations and engaging in hard work, these Title I schools collectively demonstrate the belief that all children can learn.”
Other schools in Western North Carolina were also recognized as reward schools including Bethel Elementary and Riverbend Elementary in Haywood County, Cartoogechaye Elementary and South Macon Elementary in Macon County, and Bald Creek, Micaville and South Toe elementary schools in Yancey County.
