In the Grand Haven district, Griffin Elementary and Lake Hills elementary schools were named as Study 1 schools, and Peach Plains Elementary School was named a Study 2 school.
In the Spring Lake district, Holmes and Jeffers elementary schools were both named Study 2 schools.
The state agency’s list of 123 “Beating the Odds” schools are recognized as outperforming schools with similar risk factors and demographic composition. These schools were identified by the department through two separate studies using different methodologies.
“We have good things happening in Michigan schools,” state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan said. “These ‘Beating the Odds’ schools are helping students make progress and finding ways to overcome traditional barriers to academic achievement.”
Study 1 identified 60 schools that are performing above their predicted levels, based on risk factors such as percent economically disadvantaged, percent students with disabilities, percent English language learners and percent minority students. Study 2 identified 83 schools that perform better than a comparison group of schools with similar demographics.
“‘Beating the Odds’ schools have found ways to work smarter and harder, not just harder,” Flanagan said. “They have good leaders, knowledgeable and prepared teachers who engage students — and a commitment to involve and embrace parents and the community.”