The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) announced that Kerrydale Elementary School has been named a 2022 National ESEA Distinguished School. Kerrydale Elementary is one of up to 100 schools throughout the country being nationally recognized for exceptional student achievement in 2022. The school was selected for the success they have made in closing the achievement gaps between student groups.
“I am incredibly proud for our school, staff, and students to be recognized as a National ESEA Distinguished School. Our school community is so deserving of this recognition because of their unwavering dedication and commitment to teaching and learning over the past three years. This prestigious recognition solidifies the significant impact our teachers have on student academic success and that all children can and will learn at high levels with clear teaching and learning,” shared Principal Alyse Zeffiro.
“We attribute our success to our work with Visible Learning and the implementation of highly impactful instructional practices in the classroom. This recognition encompasses all of the efforts from our entire staff, students, and their families toward learning. Our families are true partners in education and have supported our vision for our school with all of their hearts,” Zeffiro added.
Kerrydale will be recognized at the 2023 National ESEA Conference on February 1-4, which will be a hybrid event held in Indianapolis and online.
The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. It highlights the efforts of schools across the country making significant improvements for their students. The program has been in place since 1996, showcasing the success of hundreds of schools in one of three categories, exceptional student performance and academic growth, closing the achievement gap between student groups, and excellence in serving special populations of students.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides additional resources for vulnerable students and federal grants to state educational agencies to improve the quality of public elementary and secondary education.
NAESPA is made up of state ESEA program administrators, and their staff from each of the states and territories, charged with managing their state federal education program. They ensure compliance with federal regulations, but more importantly work to see that all children, especially those living in economically disadvantaged conditions, have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. NAESPA implements the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program to highlight selected schools that have successfully used their ESEA federal funds to improve the education for all students–including economically disadvantaged students.
More information about all National ESEA Distinguished Schools is available on the ESEA Network website.