COLUMBUS, OHIO - J.F. BURNS NAMED SCHOOL OF DISTINCTION

COLUMBUS, OHIO - “All students can meet high standards for academic achievement, regardless of disabilities,” said Susan Tave Zelman, superintendent of public instruction with  the Ohio Department of Education. She has announced that 21 schools have been selected for a new Schools of Distinction program, including J. F. Burns Elementary School in the Kings Local School District.

At each School of Distinction, at least 75 percent of all students, including students with disabilities, scored proficient or above on a combination of all proficiency and achievement tests and Ohio Graduation Tests administered during the past three years. Selected schools have at least 4 percent of the students identified as students with disabilities, and at 13 of the schools, 10 percent or more are so identified. J. F. Burns  has 10 percent students with disabilities. Nine elementary buildings, one middle school and 11 high schools located in both large urban and small-town settings are designated for the Schools of Distinction program.

“When both school leaders and educators focus on quality instruction, parent communication and a positive school environment, all students ¯ including students with disabilities ¯ can achieve,” said Zelman. “Schools of Distinction illustrate that overall school performance can meet or exceed the state standards when students with disabilities are provided access to the general education curriculum, along with individualized instruction and support.”

Zelman also said that when educators believe students with disabilities can meet high standards, their performance meets and often exceeds expectations.

“Local communities can be proud of the success of the Schools of Distinction,” said Sue Westendorf, president of the State Board of Education. “At a time when educators across Ohio and the nation are focusing on improved results, the Schools of Distinction are excellent examples for other districts.”

Case study research on Schools of Distinction will be conducted by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and shared with other educators interested in improving student achievement. This year’s honorees, as well as the schools selected for the 2006-2007 school year, will be recognized by ODE at the Second Annual State Improvement Grant/Ohio Integrated Systems Model Conference on Oct. 11 in Columbus.