Oran High School gets DESE's Gold Star award

Oran High School was chosen as one of six high-performing schools in the state and will now advance to be considered for a national award.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced late last week that school received a Gold Star award. The award was established by the department in 1991. It is given to schools that perform well while serving disadvantaged students.

"It definitely was a pleasant surprise," superintendent Mitch Wood said.

In the district, 48.1 percent of students are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches, compared to 43.7 percent statewide.

Wood said the school, which is grades seven through 12, was nominated based on Missouri Assessment Program scores and other data such as teacher turnover and attendance.

Districtwide MAP scores jumped in math and communication arts by more than 20 percent each in 2009.

Each year schools must meet proficiency targets or face consequences. This year, the target for student proficiency in math is 63.3 percent, compared to 54.1 percent in 2009. In communication arts, the target is 67.4 percent, compared to 59.2 percent in 2009. By 2014 the target is 100 percent.

"It's there," Wood said. "We got a challenge, so let's do the best we can."

The school will advance for consideration to be a Blue Ribbon School, which is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.

abusch@semissourian.com

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