The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) has announced that Kerrydale Elementary School has been named an ESEA Distinguished National School in 2022. Kerrydale Elementary is one of 100 schools to across the country to be nationally recognized for Exceptional Student Achievement in 2022. The school was selected for its success in closing achievement gaps between groups of students.
“I am extremely proud that our school, staff and students are recognized as a Distinguished National School by ESEA. Our school community so deserves this recognition because of their unwavering dedication and commitment to teaching and learning over the past three years. This prestigious recognition reinforces the significant impact our teachers have on student academic success and that all children can and will learn at high levels with clear teaching and learning,” said Principal Alyse Zeffiro.
“We attribute our success to our work with Visible Learning and implementing high-impact teaching practices in the classroom. This recognition encompasses all the learning efforts of all of our staff, students and their families. Our families are true partners in education and have wholeheartedly supported our vision for our school,” added Zeffiro.
Kerrydale will be recognized at the ESEA 2023 National Conference Feb. 1-4, which will be a hybrid event hosted in Indianapolis and online.
ESEA’s National Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes eligible federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. It highlights the efforts of schools across the country that are making meaningful improvements for their students. The program has been in place since 1996, showcasing the success of hundreds of schools in one of three categories, outstanding student performance and academic growth, narrowing the achievement gap between groups of students and excellence in serving special student populations.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides additional resources for vulnerable students and federal grants to state education agencies to improve the quality of public elementary and secondary education.
NAESPA is comprised of state ESEA program administrators and their staff from each of the states and territories, responsible for administering their state federal education program. They ensure compliance with federal regulations, but more importantly ensure that all children, especially those living in economically disadvantaged conditions, have the opportunity to receive a quality education. NAESPA implements the national ESEA Distinguished Schools Program to highlight selected schools that have successfully used their federal ESEA funds to improve the education of all students, including economically disadvantaged students.
More information on all ESEA National Distinguished Schools can be found on the ESEA network website.