AVELLA AREA RECOGNIZED AS "OUTPERFORMING" SCHOOL DISTRICT

HARRISBURG, June 29, 2005 - Avella Area School District has been recognized as one of Pennsylvania's "outperforming" school districts, according to state Sen. J. Barry Stout and Rep. Victor J. Lescovitz.

"The students, parents, and faculty of Avella Area can be proud that their schools are performing beyond expectations," said Stout (D-Washington/Greene/Allegheny/Beaver/Westmoreland). "There is much that similar school districts can learn from Avella's dedicated teachers and administrators."

"The Avella teachers and administrators have worked hard to develop an enterprising curriculum that has proven to be a standout success," said Lescovitz (D-Atlasburg). "Avella should be applauded for their long term persistence to a quality education since this level of performance doesn't occur overnight."

Standard & Poor's compiled the list of 47 Pennsylvania school districts that have outperformed demographically similar districts in reading and math proficiency for two consecutive years (2001-02 and 2002-03). Education research has generally demonstrated that schools with a greater proportion of economically disadvantaged students have lower average scores in reading and math.

Standard & Poor's intends that the list will help officials develop and disseminate best practices for peer school districts that are performing below expectations.

Avella Area School District covers 73 square miles in northern Washington County and serves approximately 750 students in grades kindergarten through 12.

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