9 facilities recognized for improving

Youngstown is in academic emergency, but one of its schools made the grade.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Nine area schools have been designated as "Schools of Promise" by the Ohio Department of Education.
The program recognizes schools across the state that are demonstrating high achievement in reading and mathematics for all groups of pupils, despite the fact that 40 percent or more come from low-income backgrounds.
To achieve the honor, pupils in the schools must meet or exceed the state standard of 75 percent passage in reading, math or both.
A total of 113 schools across Ohio garnered the honor for 2005, including one of the Youngstown city schools: Chaney High School. The Youngstown School District is rated by the state as being in "academic emergency," the lowest ranking on the state Report Card System. Nevertheless, Chaney was able to achieve the "Schools of Excellence" status.
Good teaching and high expectations can overcome high levels of poverty, said Susan Tave Zelman, state superintendent of schools.
"Our 'Schools of Promise' prove that students can meet and exceed high standards and expectations, no matter where they live or how wealthy their families are," she said.
Of the nine local schools on this year's list, five are included for the first time.
Criteria
All public elementary and secondary schools administering Ohio Proficiency, Ohio Achievement or Ohio Graduation tests were considered for the honor.
Zelman said those selected share five common themes: they deliver rigorous instruction aligned to state standards; provide leadership that results in continuous improvement of instruction; design instruction to ensure every pupil's success; engage parents and the community to support success; and create a culture where each individual feels valid.
The local schools on the list, their districts, the subjects for which they were recognized and the number of years they have been listed as "Schools of Promise" are:
UDavis Elementary, Austintown, Reading, first.
UWoodside Elementary, Austintown, Reading, first.
UMemorial High School, Campbell, Reading, third.
UStruthers High School, Struthers, Reading & amp; math, fourth.
UChaney High School, Youngstown, Reading, first.
UVaughn Elementary, LaBrae, Reading, second.
UMcKinley High School, Sebring, Reading, first.
UEast Liverpool High School, East Liverpool, Reading, first.
UMacDonald Elementary School, Wellsville Local, Reading and math, fourth.