For the Reporter

Pioneer Elementary is one of four schools this year in Washington to be designated as “Innovative” for its creative, collaborative approaches to increasing student success and closing achievement gaps, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced today.

“It’s great to recognize schools that think of new ways to meet the needs of their students,” State Superintendent Randy Dorn said. “There’s no one formula for success that works for everyone.”

Schools must apply for the designation beginning in November. A statewide selection committee of education leaders and experts review applications and recommend schools for the designation.

Recipients are selected based on:

• Level of creativity and experimentation

• Incorporation of best practices and research

• Increase in student achievement and/or closing achievement gaps

• Collaboration with parents and the community

• High staff morale and engagement

This year’s innovative schools will be recognized at a statewide school awards ceremony in late April.

The other recipients of this designation for 2014 are:

• Osborn Elementary, Cascade School District

• TAF Academy, Federal Way School District

• Three Rivers HomeLink, Richland School District