Captain Strong, Laurin schools earn highest state award

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Two schools in the Battle Ground Public Schools district have earned 2015 Washington Achievement Awards, ranking them among the highest performing schools in the state based on three years of academic information. 

Captain Strong Primary was recognized for high progress and Laurin Middle School for English language acquisition. 

The Washington Achievement Award is sponsored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the State Board of Education. The state selected this year’s 258 winning schools based on a revised Achievement Index of statewide assessment data. The Achievement Index measures school performance, emphasizing improvement and recognition.

Educators, families, and community members can use the Index to identify areas of strength and improvement in Washington’s schools. To qualify for an Achievement Award, schools cannot be listed as Priority or Focus and must have at least 95 percent participation on state tests. 

Schools are recognized as top performers in one of seven categories: 

Overall Excellence 

High Progress 

English Language Arts Growth 



Math Growth 

Extended Graduation Rate (awarded to high schools and comprehensive schools only) 

English Language Acquisition 

Achievement Gap 

“The Achievement Awards recognize schools and educators making a difference in student outcomes. Award recipients are schools that have made measurable progress helping students prepare for college, career and life,” said Isabel Munoz-Colon, State Board of Education chair. “The Achievement Awards are one way we can learn more about the successful strategies Washington schools are using to help our kids.” 

The award-winning schools will be recognized during a ceremony on May 10 at Union Gap School in Union Gap and at an upcoming Battle Ground Public Schools board meeting. The WAA criteria and list of winners and the state achievement index is available online.