Two Louisiana schools– L.W. Ruppel Academy for Advanced Studies in Jefferson Parish and Eastside Elementary School in Livingston Parish– were recognized nationally for outstanding academic performance.

They were both named “National ESEA Distinguished Schools” through the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program. The program was formerly known as the National Title I Distinguished Schools Program, which every year recognizes two schools in every state for academic achievement.

The schools considered must have a population that has at least 35 percent poverty rate and either demonstrates high academic achievement for two or more consecutive years or significantly closes the achievement gap between specific student groups and their peers.

“This is great news for these two schools and for Louisiana as a whole,” State Superintendent John White said in a press release. “It is also indicative of how hard these schools are working to ensure academic achievement and growth among all students, including those who struggle most.”

L.W. Ruppel Academy for Advanced Studies was recognized in the category of “Exceptional Student Performance Schools.” The school earned an A grade for two consecutive years.

Eastside Elementary School was recognized in the category of “Closing the Achievement Gap.” It earned an A grade in the most recent two consecutive years, and also narrowed its achievement gap during the same time period. The school’s achievement gap narrowed in state assessments of school performance scores between economically disadvantaged students and their peers by 2 points, and between students with disabilities and their peers by 17 points.

Both schools are invited to attend the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Conference in Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 30- Feb. 2, where they will be honored among distinguished schools nationwide.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education.  Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels. The association’s treasurer and membership of the leadership team is Bernell Cook, from Louisiana.