William Smith High School Named 2014 Breakthrough School

NEWS RELEASE # 31
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2013

William Smith High School Named 2014 Breakthrough School 

MetLife Foundation and NASSP are proud to announce and celebrate William Smith High School as one of nine Breakthrough Schools recognized for strong academic success in the face of challenges that result from high student poverty rates.

William Smith will be officially recognized at NASSP’s Ignite 2014 Conference in Dallas, TX, February 6-8.

Since 2007, the MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough Schools program showcases middle level and high schools that are high achieving or have dramatically improved student achievement while serving large numbers of students who live in poverty.

“NASSP applauds these schools for understanding the need to prioritize personalization in the classroom and working to meet the specific needs of each and every student,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti. “The principals of these schools show us all that high poverty doesn’t have to mean low achievement, but that with the right leadership, sufficient time and a clear focus, urban, rural and suburban high-poverty schools can make great strides in academic achievement and overall school success.”

Selection criteria for the award are based on a school’s documented success in implementing strategies that are aligned with the three core areas of NASSP’s Breaking Ranks Framework, including collaborative leadership, personalization, and curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

These Breakthrough Schools have shown continuous growth on state assessments during at least the last three years and made progress toward reducing the achievement gap. Success in implementing the strategies is documented and verified through school site visits, including meetings with principals, teachers, students, and community leaders.

As a Breakthrough School, William Smith will receive a $5,000 grant and principal David Roll will have the opportunity to participate in Ignite ’14 and other events throughout the year to share his experience and success with other school leaders around the nation.

For more information on the Breakthrough Schools program and this year’s winners, visit www.nassp.org/breakthrough.

About NASSP

NASSP is the leading organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and all school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world. The association provides research-based professional development and resources, networking, and advocacy to build the capacity of middle level and high school leaders to continually improve student performance. Reflecting its longstanding commitment to student leadership development as well, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils.

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation is committed to building a secure future for individuals and communities worldwide, through a focus on empowering older adults, preparing young people and building livable communities. In education, it seeks to strengthen public schools through effective teaching and collaborative leadership, and to prepare students for access to and success in higher education, particularly during the crucial first year. The Foundation’s grantmaking is informed by findings from the annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher. More information is available at www.metlife.org.

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Paula Hans at 303.326.2755