District Receives Sixth “Distinction in Performance” Award

The Joplin School District has earned the “Distinction in Performance” designation from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for the sixth straight year. Considered to be one of the highest honors a Missouri public school district can receive, the “Distinction in Performance” award is based on academic achievement and progress.

"It is a great honor for the Joplin Schools to be recognized by the State of Missouri for Distinction in Performance," says Superintendent Dr. C.J. Huff. "It is not only a reflection of the quality of our schools, but also the quality of our community. Schools are only as good as the community that supports them. We are fortunate to have such great support for our academic programs and are excited about what the future holds for our schools and our kids."

Missouri school districts must meet at least 13 of 14 student performance standards on their Annual Performance Report (APR) to receive the annual “Distinction in Performance” award. A district’s APR is based on the same criteria used in the accreditation process and displays whether or not a school district has met standards related to student academic performance. These include MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) test scores, ACT college entrance exam scores, attendance rate, graduation rate, the number of graduates continuing to college, and other academic performance measures.

Joplin has earned the “Distinction in Performance” designation every year since 2004.

posted 12/18/09