Ranking: Spring Creek one of nation's best
By Staff Reports
Published in News on December 15, 2008 1:46 PM
Spring Creek High School has received the "Bronze" medal designation as one of U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best High Schools."
The publication, in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education, data research and analysis business, used academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public schools nationwide. Top schools were ranked into gold, silver, bronze or honorable mention categories.
To receive the classification, judges looked at three performance indicators -- how students performed in math and reading, the school's percentage of economically disadvantaged students and whether they performed better than their statistical expectations, and college readiness based on AP test scores and International Baccalaureate test data.
Spring Creek successfully met the first two indicators, qualifying the school for "Bronze" status.
Dr. Steven Taylor, schools superintendent, commended the school for making the list.
"Not only did Spring Creek High make the national ranking, but it is one of only 46 schools in the state to be ranked in any of the four categories," he said. "This achievement affirms the hard work that goes on in our classrooms each day. Students and staff can take great pride in their accomplishment.
The school has an outstanding faculty, including its principal, Stephen Clingan, as well as a supportive school and parent community, said Dr. Sandra McCullen, the district's associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
"Wayne County Public Schools' system emphasizes five 'Rs when we discuss teaching and learning -- rigor, relevance, relationships, routine and regular practice," she said. "Spring Creek High provides the five 'Rs' in an exemplary manner as evidenced by the U.S. News & World Report's national designation."