Jack Britt High School Wins a National Award

·         Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, New Orleans

·         Jack Britt High School, Fayetteville, N.C.

·         Griegos Elementary School, Albuquerque, N.M.

·         Morningside Elementary School, Brownsville, Texas

“Each of these schools demonstrates that when tough and smart educators fully commit themselves to high achievement, students perform at high levels,” said Kati Haycock, president of The Education Trust. “These educators would be the first to tell you that their work is far from finished. But by showing what is possible when schools are organized for success, Dispelling the Myth Award winners are more than just beacons of hope. They are the proving ground for what works to ensure that all children – no matter their background – are well prepared for success beyond high school.”

What these schools have accomplished should silence dangerous, widespread myths that achievement gaps are inevitable and that academic achievement has more do with a child’s background than with the quality of education he or she receives. This year’s award winners, all traditional public schools, illustrate that neighborhood schools can – if organized for and committed to student success – provide a high-quality education for all students.

Dispelling the Myth school leaders know that excellence is far from easy. But common themes emerge from their practices, including an uncompromising focus on strong instruction; exposing students to rigorous, rich curriculum; and using data to track student progress and meet individual student needs as soon as they arise.

The Dispelling the Myth Awards was presented during the annual Education Trust National Conference in Washington. Through this year’s theme, “Take Charge of Change: Effective Practices to Close Gaps and Raise Achievement,” educators from across the country explored successful strategies for eliminating the gaps that exist in K-12 schools nationwide.