Crockett High School has been selected as an Outstanding High Schools That Work (HSTW) School. This award is based on the success of local school leaders and teachers in improving school practices and raising student achievement. The award was presented by Dave Spence, president of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), at the 25th Annual HSTW Staff Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee recently.

Spence praised the school for its achievement, pointing out that it takes dedication and hard work on the part of state, district and school leaders and teachers to make progress in preparing students for postsecondary studies and careers. He presented the award before an audience of more than 5,000 educators from across the nation attending the HSTW Conference.

“Receiving this national award is a true honor for David Crockett High School and is a validation of the dedication and hard work of the students, teachers, parents, and other members of the Crockett High School community,” said Craig S. Shapiro, Principal of Crockett High School. “To be selected as one of thirteen schools from more than 1,100 schools across the country proves that after only three years, Crockett's five year plan is already producing real results. I am extremely proud of the entire community for earning this national recognition.”

To be recognized as an Outstanding HSTW School, a school had to be nominated by the HSTW state coordinator, or by an SREB director for a noteworthy accomplishment such as a significant increase in achievement on state assessments, in graduation rates, in the percentage of students meeting college-readiness standards or in the percentage of students passing state-approved employer certification exams.

“This school has shown what can be accomplished to raise student achievement by deeply implementing the HSTW model for strengthening curriculum and instruction,” said Gene Bottoms, SREB Senior Vice President. “The school illustrates the spirit of change and the gains in performance that High Schools That Work advocates to get students ready for postsecondary studies and careers.”

More than 1,100 high schools in 39 states participate in the HSTW school improvement initiative to create a culture of high expectations that motivates students to make the effort to succeed in school.

SREB, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, advises state education leaders on ways to improve education. SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislatures to help leaders in education and government work cooperatively to advance education and improve the social and economic life of the region. SREB has 16 member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Each is represented by its governor and four gubernatorial appointees. For more information, visit www.sreb.org