Under the leadership of MASA member Dr. Bernard Taylor, superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools, the Campau Park School, has been named a Title I Distinguished School for its success in closing the achievement gap for its students. Congratulations to Dr. Taylor and his staff.

At Campau Park School, the socioeconomic status achievement gap was closed by 117% in English Language Arts and 116% in math (i.e., the gap was not only closed but reversed) from 2005-06 to 2006-07. Also, the school has remained off the list of schools in a phase of improvement since being in Phase 3 in 2002. Representatives from both schools attended the NASTID national conference in Nashville, Tennessee from January 31 to February 3, 2008 .

In 1996, The National Association of State Title I Directors (NASTID) began the Title I Distinguished Schools Program which recognizes schools with outstanding results in two categories: 1) exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years, and 2) closing the achievement gap between student groups. This year, Michigan selected one Title I Distinguished School for each category.

Also honored for exceptional student performance

Muskegon Technical Academy

At Muskegon Technical Academy, student proficiency in math increased by 25% and proficiency in English Language Arts increased by 19% from 2005-06 to 2006-07. Also, the school is no longer on the list of schools in a phase of school improvement after being in Phase 1 or 2 for three years.

Source: MDE, Good Morning OSI, 2.11.08