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WMASD Clara Barton Elementary
Named NCLB - Blue Ribbon School

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings named West Mifflin Area School District’s Clara Barton Elementary School as a 2007 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School.  Clara Barton is among only 287 schools nationwide to receive this prestigious education award.  The NCLB-Blue Ribbon Schools award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or demonstrate gains in student achievement to high levels.  The schools that are selected meet one of the following two criteria: 1) Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that significantly improve student performance to high levels on state tests; and 2) Schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests or for private schools in the top 10 percent of the nation on nationally-standardized tests.  Clara Barton Elementary was selected based on the first criteria.

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment scores were dramatically improved for economically disadvantaged students at Clara Barton.  Reading scores increased in the proficient level from 21% in 2003 to 63% in 2006 and the number of students in the basic level was reduced from 32% to 13%.  In math economically disadvantaged students at the advanced level increased from 33% in 2003 to 53% in 2006.  Clara Barton Principal Mary Jane Hudak stated that this recognition is the “highlight of my career in education” and commended her staff.  She and members of the Clara Barton staff will travel to Washington D.C. to be honored at an awards ceremony on November 12-13.

The West Mifflin Area School District’s Board of School Directors, administration and staff are elated that the dedication of the Clara Barton Staff and diligent work of our students has earned this prestigious recognition.

For further information on the program please visit https://www.ed.gov.