Five Iowa Schools Honored for Breaking Education Barriers

Five Iowa schools were honored last week by the State Board of Education for their work to raise achievement among groups of students who traditionally face challenges in the classroom. The Breaking Barriers to Teaching and Learning Award was created by the State Board of Education. Each year, the award recognizes successful efforts to eliminate achievement gaps. 

This year’s award-winners were recognized for having the highest proficiency rates statewide in math and reading among a specific subgroup of students, such as students whose first language is not English and students from low-income backgrounds. State assessment results from the last three years were examined to confirm a positive trend for each school. 

Among this year's winners are: 

• Carlisle High School, Carlisle Community School District: Carlisle High School was honored for its work with Hispanic students. Among its Hispanic students, 98 percent are proficient in reading and math. That compares to a statewide average of 66 percent for the same group of students. 
• Gilbert Intermediate School, Gilbert Community School District: Gilbert Intermediate School was honored for its work with students with disabilities who are on Individualized Education Programs. Among those students at Gilbert Intermediate, 79 percent are proficient in reading and math, compared to a statewide average of 35 percent.