Union Elementary School is one of 327 Georgia public schools recognized for improvement and achievement in the 2008-2009 school year.

Union is on the list of schools with the greatest improvement on Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT). The Governor’s Office of School Achievement (GOSA) and state school Superintendent Kathy Cox announced the awards made on four levels — platinum, gold, silver and bronze.

Union’s improvements earned silver ranking as the only Paulding school recognized this year. Recognized schools will receive a congratulatory letter and banner.

“Even in these very difficult economic times the schools we are awarding continue to have a no-excuses attitude and are more focused than ever on the goal of providing a world-class education to every student,” said Cox.

The Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) awards are part of the 2008-2009 K-12 Public Schools Scoreboard and Report Card. The Report Card developed by GOSA provides bottom-line data for all of Georgia’s public schools; details are at www.gaosa.org.

Union Elementary Principal Teresa Benefield said three criteria were used in recognizing greatest gains: two consecutive years making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP); at least 25 percent of student exceeding standards in all test areas as measured by state assessments; and placing in the 96th percentile or higher statewide in greatest student achievement gains.

Union has made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) the last seven consecutive years.

“It’s a huge honor for us,” said Benefield. “It belongs to teachers who completely committed to providing instruction baseed on the individual needs of our kids. Second, it’s because of our wonderful group of kids.”