Angie Grant honored with R.I.S.E. award
The Arkansas Department of Education has honored Angie Grant Elementary for the staff’s effort to increase reading instruction, build community partnerships and promote a culture of reading.
“Our entire school district is ecstatic about Angie Grant Elementary being recognized as one of only 10 schools in the state to receive the Arkansas Department of Education Reading Initiative for Student Excellence award,” said Benton School District Superintendent Dr. Mike Skelton. “This recognition is a testament to the commitment of the Benton School District, Angie Grant leadership and staff in improving the reading levels for all students.”
The award was given at the recent ADE Summit that was held in Hot Springs with Angie Grant Elementary School being the only school in Saline County to receive the award.
“I am extremely proud of these 10 schools for setting the example of reading excellence and making a profound difference in the lives
of their students,” Gov.
Asa Hutchinson said in prepared statement. “Not only have they increased and improved reading instruction for all students, they have demonstrated their commitment to their communities by building partnerships with parents and businesses. I commend these exceptional educators, students, and administrators for their hard work and dedication to reading.”
Hutchinson and ADE launched R.I.S.E. Arkansas in January 2017.
According to the ADE, nominations were received from R.I.S.E. trainers who have completed a rigorous 14-day training on the knowledge and skills of the science of reading. They then trained other educators on these proven reading instructional practices. An ADE team visited each of the nominated schools and selected 10 schools that demonstrated a school-wide implementation of science of reading practices; administrative support for improved reading instruction; strengthened community partnerships; projects that promote a culture of reading; and serve as models of instructional best practices for other teachers.
“This achievement and recognition is proof of the hard work and dedication that all of our students, staff, and community have to ensure the educational and life successes for all students,” Skelton said.
All with recognition, Each winning school will received a trophy and serve on a panel discussion at the summit to share implementation strategies and lessons learned with other educators.
“We are so thankful for those who serve our students daily,” Skelton said. “There is nothing more important for student educational success than to have high quality teachers and instruction in the classroom.
Without question, our entire staff is committed to the success of all students. There are undoubtedly outstanding educators throughout the state of Arkansas, but it is our believe that we have one of the best, if not the best, teaching staffs not only in the state but in this part of the country.”