PLATTSBURGH -- A host of school districts in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties are being recognized for surpassing federal education standards.

They were among 1,759 public schools and 288 school districts statewide named High Performing/Gap Closing under No Child Left Behind. Another 373 schools and 62 districts were named Rapidly Improving, including three local schools.

High Performing schools were recognized for meeting all applicable state standards in English language arts and math during the 2006-07 year, as well as making adequate yearly progress in those subjects for two consecutive years. Rapidly Improving Schools were below state standards in one or more subjects but showed improvement from 2004-05.

TRACK CHALLENGES

"It's very exciting," said Saranac Central School Superintendent Ken Cringle.

All Saranac schools made the High Performing list.

"It has been a lot of work," Cringle said.

To improve student achievement over the past few years, Saranac educators reviewed and aligned the K-12 curriculum with state standards.

They also regularly break down student data into sub-groups, such as students with disabilities or from low-income families, to better determine how to help all children by identifying strengths and weaknesses.

That data is used to drive instructional practices.

"Our goal over the last three years has been on literacy and math, and one big initiative we have been working on is with Plattsburgh State and literacy initiatives for grades K-5," Cringle said.

The district is also providing research-based instruction and identifying students across all grade levels who are struggling.

"We have created lofty benchmarks and have met and exceeded state standards in many areas for our students," Cringle said. "If we don't achieve our benchmarks for the year, we look at why and address it."

FOCUS ON READING