Birmingham, Ala (WIAT) Two local schools have been selected as "Torchbearer" schools...an honor earned by a high-poverty public school that has overcome the odds to become a high-performing school.
Birmingham's Wilkerson Middle School and Phillips Elementary in Marion County are among the thirteen Alabama schools chosen for the honor.
Alabama’s 2011-2012 Torchbearer Schools are:
- Wilkerson Middle School, Birmingham City
- Morris Slingluff Elementary School, Dothan City
- Phillips Elementary School, Marion County
- Anna F. Booth Elementary School, Mobile County
- Calcedeaver Elementary School, Mobile County
- George Hall Elementary School, Mobile County
- William Henry Brazier Elementary School, Mobile County
- Indian Springs Elementary School, Mobile County
- Dr. Robert W. Gilliard Elementary School, Mobile County
- Spencer Elementary School, Mobile County
- WD Robbins Elementary School, Mobile County
- Orchard Elementary School School, Mobile County
- Highland Avenue Elementary School, Montgomery County
Interim State Superintendent of Education Larry Craven said, “The Torchbearer program recognizes the hard work and dedication that our teachers and students put forth every day to reach their goals. These students have excelled in the face of many difficulties and are a model for all students in the state”.
A Torchbearer School must meet all of the following criteria, as applicable:
- Identified as Meeting the Challenge School.
- Identified as Advancing the Challenge School.
- Identified as Exceeding the Challenge School.
- Have at least 80% poverty rate (percent free/reduced meals).
- Have at least 80% of students score Level III or Level IV on the reading section of the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test.
- Have at least 80% of students score Level III or Level IV on the mathematics section of the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test.
- Have at least 65% of students score in stanines 5-9 on Stanford 10 reading.
- Have at least 65% of students score in stanines 5-9 on Stanford 10 mathematics.
- Have at least 95% of Grade 12 students pass all required subjects of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.
- Have a graduation rate above state average.
- Be in existence at the time of the award.
All of the chosen schools will be honored at a luncheon in Montgomery on November 17.
