ST Louis, MO/January 11, 2017 (STL.News) St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) once again has full accreditation status.
On Tuesday morning, the Missouri State Board of Education voted unanimously to grant full accreditation to the district.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate really great things in the district,” said State Board President Charlie Shields.
The upgrade in accreditation status was a result of the district scoring in the fully accredited range for two straight years. According to the State Board of Education, SLPS is showing student academic growth in English language arts (ELA) and math, as well as showing student progress in social studies. SLPS exceeded its growth targets in math for 2015 and 2016 and exceeded its ELA target in 2015 and was on track for 2016.
The district also improved student attendance and graduation rates as well as its use of data to lead improvement efforts.
“The progress in St. Louis was brought about by a whole collection of unsung heroes, starting with students,” said State Board Member Mike Jones.
“They made a commitment as individuals to get better. This is an exceptional day for Superintendent Adams and his staff, but mostly for the students and teachers who worked every day for this result.” added Jones.
The announcement was followed by a news conference late Tuesday afternoon by school and city leaders at the SLPS Administrative Offices Building. There school and city leaders shared their thoughts of this historical event.
“It’s been nine years, nine months, and nineteen days since the state board voted for the notion of unaccredited the school district and that the number nine means complete. From a Biblical perspective it means complete and so this particular part of what has happen for the St. Louis Public School District is complete. It does not mean that the work is over.” said SLPS Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay called this one of the highlights during his administration. “This is a very significant moment. We should enjoy our success, but double up our efforts to continue the momentum of moving forward.”
To mark the occasion, Slay has proclaimed January 13, 2017 as St. Louis Public Schools Day in the City of St. Louis.
St. Louis Public Schools lost accreditation in 2007 and was given provisional accreditation in 2012.
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By: Jill Enders
