For the Reporter<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Eight schools in the Kent School District have been awarded 2013 Washington Achievement Awards. One school, Martin Sortun Elementary, won four awards.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Award winners are selected from indexes and data the state collects from standardized tests. Schools are recognized in several categories, including overall excellence, high progress, reading and math growth, extended graduation rate (awarded to high schools and comprehensive schools only) and English language acquisition.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education sponsor the award.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Schools who received special recognition in reading growth include: Carriage Crest; Grass Lake and Martin Sortun elementary; and Kentridge High School. Schools qualified for the award when they are in the top 5 percent based on median growth percentiles (MGPs) in reading. MGPs summarize student growth.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Schools who received awards for high progress are: Kent Mountain View Academy; Kentwood High School; Mattson Middle School; and Martin Sortun. They qualified for the award by being in the top 10 percent of schools making the most progress in the performance of all students over three years.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Kent-Meridian High School received special recognition in English language acquisition. K-M is in the top-5 percent of highest performing schools based on the median point gain on the Washington English Language Proficiency Assessment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Martin Sortun received additional awards: overall excellence and special recognition in math growth. Schools qualify for honors when they are in the top 5 percent based on MGPs in math.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n “We are proud of these schools and honored to be recognized by Washington state for exceptional student achievement,” said Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The state’s award-winning schools will be honored at an April 24 ceremony at Timberline High School in Lacey.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n