The Branson School District has received the state’s highest honor by earning the Distinction in Performance Award.  The award has been earned for academic progress and achievement for the 2008-2009 school year.  The announcement was made Thursday by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Branson School District is among 319 districts to be recognized for achievement.  This is the fifth consecutive year Branson has earned the Distinction Award.   

“This award is reflective of all the dedicated men and women in our district who strive to provide the best educational experiences for the students in the Branson School District,” said Dr. Doug Hayter, superintendent.  “We are grateful to be among those districts recognized for outstanding educational practices.” 

The Distinction in Performance Award is based on the 14 academic performance standards that are the basis for the state’s accreditation program for all school districts.  Branson received a perfect score by earning a 14/14 possible.  The standards are based on scores from the state-mandated MAP tests, graduation rate, attendance rate, ACT scores and other indicators.  To qualify for the award, K-12 districts were required to meet 13 out of 14 standards, including all MAP-based measures.   

Under the state’s accreditation process, known as the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP), each school district is evaluated at least once every five years.  The Distinction in Performance Award is based on the same criteria used in the accreditation process, but it provides an annual confirmation and recognition of a district’s consistent performance. 

Representatives from the Branson School District will join other honorees in February for a formal presentation of the Distinction Award.