Submitted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced 98 schools statewide have earned Wisconsin Schools of Recognition honors for the 2023–24 school year. These awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of educators, students, families, and school staff in ensuring educational success for all students, especially among those facing economic challenges. The Spring Valley School District’s Spring Valley Elementary School was recognized in the group of 24 schools recognized as a High Progress School.
The Schools of Recognition Program, first launched in 2003, recognizes Title I schools for making significant strides in student growth and achievement. After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DPI is excited to resume this important tradition of highlighting excellence in education.
“These schools exemplify what is possible when educators, families and communities come together with dedication, resilience, and commitment to every learner,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “Their success is proof that when communities come together to support students, remarkable things happen. I am thrilled to recognize their hard work and continued commitment to student success.”
Schools were honored in one or more of the following categories:
- High Achieving Schools (15 schools): These schools rank in the top 10% statewide for academic achievement in reading and mathematics and demonstrate small or closing achievement gaps.
- High Progress Schools (24 schools): These schools show significant growth in student outcomes or graduation rates, with measurable progress in closing gaps.
- High Impact Schools (70 schools): Serving a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, these schools have above-average achievement when compared to similarly situated schools. (Note: Some schools earned recognition in multiple categories.)
A full list of recipients, their categories can be found on the DPI’s website. More information on the Schools of Recognition Program is also available on the DPI’s website.
Eligibility Criteria – To be eligible for any award, schools must:
- Receive federal Title I funding.
- Meet or exceed expectations on the most recent School Report Card.
- Not be currently identified for Comprehensive, Targeted, or Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (CSI/TSI/ATSI).
- Be above the bottom 20% statewide for chronic absenteeism and achievement.
- Meet or exceed 95% test participation across all students.
Spring Valley Elementary School Principal Nicole Lamb received a congratulatory email last week from DPI explaining the recognition.
Principal Lamb commented, “Much of the recent progress at Spring Valley Elementary can be attributed to a renewed focus on how students learn best. Through a combination of strong whole-group instruction and targeted small-group support—what we refer to as our “Core and More” model—teachers are meeting students where they are and helping them move forward.
Instruction is increasingly driven by real-time data and ongoing formative assessments, allowing teachers to set meaningful learning goals both for and with students. But academic growth isn’t just about instruction; it’s also about connection. We’ve embraced the understanding that students thrive when learning is relevant, relationships are strong, and classrooms are built on trust.
Whether through small-group interventions, whole-group lessons, or collaborative projects, our goal is to create learning environments that foster both academic success and personal growth.
At Spring Valley Elementary, we’re not just teaching content; we’re cultivating confident, curious, and capable learners. Being recognized as a High Progress School by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is a proud moment for our students, staff, and entire community.”
Congratulations to Spring Valley Elementary School and the Spring Valley School District on this high achievement!
