Barge names 2012 Georgia Schools of Excellence

ATLANTA - Georgia State School Superintendent John Barge Tuesday named the 2012 Georgia Schools of Excellence in Student Achievement, a list that includes eight schools in our area, one from each Congressional District.

The state breaks the schools down into two categories, highest performance and highest progress.

Highest performing schools are the top performing schools in each Congressional District on the College and Career-Ready Performance Index, according to Barge's office.

"It took us a while to name the 2012 Schools of Excellence, but we wanted to measure them based on our College and Career Ready Performance Index rather than the old measure. With our new, more rigorous accountability system, these schools really shine," Barge said.

In our area, Harris Elementary in Duluth, R.D. Head Elementary in Lilburn, Towns County Middle and Mulberry Elementary in Auburn made the list. They represent districts seven, four, nine and ten respectively.

The other category, highest progress, represents the school showing the greatest gains on the same index.

Big Creek Elementary in Forsyth County, World Language Academy in Hall County and Frank N. Osborne Middle in Hoschton are on that list. Those are in Congressional Districts seven, nine and ten respectively.

Barge is hitting the road this week to visit three schools on the list, although his office didn't say which ones. He plans to visit the others throughout the school year.

The Schools of Excellence each get a check for $1000 from Georgia Natural Gas. United Healthcare is also a sponsor.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/8/264478