Mr.Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of NCUST captured the meaning of Escontrias’ achievements well:
The (NCUST award winners) have attained a level of achievement more typically seen
in schools that serve very affluent communities. They’ve demonstrated evidence
of effectiveness among all of the student populations they serve, including
English learners and students with disabilities. They prove that our nation’s
urban schools can be wonderful centers of learning that change children’s
lives.”
Escontrias receives National Excellence in
Urban Education Award
Escontrias Elementary School is one of 16 schools nationwide to earn a 2014 National Excellence in Urban Education Award. Escontrias and SISD administration will be
recognized by TheNational Center for Urban School Transformation at San Diego State
University on May 22 in San Diego.
Escontrias Elementary,whose 634-student population is 99 percent Hispanic, will receive the bronze award at the National Excellence in Urban Education Symposium at San Diego
State University.
“This is a phenomenal recognition for Escontrias Elementary. I am proud of their continuous
achievement in providing a high quality education with rigorous instruction for
every student and engaging parents in their school community,” said SISD
Superintendent José Espinoza. “To be one of 16 schools in the country to earn
this award is testament to the outstanding work that is being accomplished by
Escontrias faculty and staff.”
Escontrias is being honored because it meets the criteria for National Excellence in Urban
Education. Its campus serves predominantly low-income students and meets an
extensive list of academic performances, including achievement scores, high
attendance rates, low suspension rates and high graduation rates for every
demographic group of students.
Finalists were selected from a large pool of applicants that included many schools that have earned recognition as National Blue Ribbon Schools, National Title I Distinguished
Schools, and winners of many other state and national awards. In 2011,Escontrias was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon school.
The school received on-site visits during the months of January and February. Escontrias
demonstrated the evidence of rigorous content, engaging instruction and
positive relationships among students, teachers, parents and administrators.
At the May ceremony, administrators from the school and district will share processes and practices to their success. SISD leaders will describe their efforts to support and
sustain these high-achieving urban schools. For more information visitwww.ncust.org.