2 Middletown schools ranked for gains in reading, math

Middletown’s Rosa Parks and Mayfield elementary schools have made the state’s list of High Progress Schools of Honor.

The schools were among more than three dozen to be recognized Thursday by the Ohio Department of Education for improving academic achievement among their students, including many from economically disadvantaged homes.

High Progress Schools of Honor score in the top 10 percent of schools as ranked by improvements in reading and mathematics combined proficiency in all tested grades for the past five years. The department also considers Adequate Yearly Progress, Value-Added measures of student growth and Local Report Card ratings when determining award selection.

“High Progress Schools of Honor establish an educational goal for their students and continue to pursue and exceed that goal each year,” said Richard A. Ross, superintendent of public instruction. “The principals, teachers, parents and community members provide a high-quality education and believe that children can overcome significant challenges, and that they can learn.”

The state also recognizes annually Schools of Promise and High Performing Schools of Honor.

Franklin High School in Warren County was the only local school to be named a 2013 School of Promise — recognized for attaining solid student achievement in reading and mathematics while serving a significant number of economically disadvantaged students, according to ODE.