Drew Charter School is one of three schools nationwide to be honored this year by The Education Trust for outstanding success in educating low-income and minority children
ATLANTA, November 11, 2014 – Charles R. Drew Charter School has been named one of three winners of the “Dispelling the Myth Award,” presented by The Education Trust. This award recognizes schools that have demonstrated success in creating high academic achievement among low-income or minority students, effectively closing the achievement gap plaguing public schools across the nation.
“No child’s future should be determined by her zip code or skin color,” said Kati Haycock, president of The Education Trust. “Through their hard work and diligence, the educators and staff in these schools have proven that all students can succeed when they have the right resources, committed educators, and adequate support. The Dispelling the Myth Award recipients affirm that closing gaps and boosting achievement is not only attainable but also well within reach.”
Drew Charter School was recognized for its Project-Based Learning approach with an integration of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) theme. Project-Based Learning engages Drew students in solving real-world problems and answering complex questions with an emphasis on the design thinking process. It provides students with the opportunity to develop skills like critical thinking, collaboration, innovation and creativity, all essential for success in the 21st century.
“We are investing in rigorous experiences for students with authentic outcomes,” Barbara Preuss, Principal of the Elementary Academy says. “And it’s working: our diverse students are bringing home top honors in robotics, science fairs and orchestra among others, in addition to high scores on a range of standardized assessments.”
This year’s winners will be recognized on Thursday, November 13th in Baltimore, Maryland, during The Education Trust 2014 National Convention. The conference, “Become the Change: Closing Gaps in Opportunity and Achievement,” convenes educators and advocates from all across the county who are working toward the shared goal of raising student achievement and closing opportunity gaps.
2014 Dispelling the Myth Award Recipients:
- Charles R. Drew Charter School, Atlanta, Georgia
- Brimley Elementary School, Brimley, Michigan
- Menlo Park Elementary School, Portland, Oregon
About Charles R. Drew Charter School:
Charles R. Drew Charter School opened in 2000 as the City of Atlanta’s first public charter school. Drew’s innovative Project-Based Learning approach with an integration of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum and a strong foundation in literacy helps all students reach their highest potential. Serving more than 1,500 students (Pre-K through 10th grade, expanding to include 11th and 12th grade by 2016), Drew represents the cradle-to-college pipeline in the East Lake community and is an integral part of a holistic neighborhood revitalization led by the East Lake Foundation. For more information on Drew Charter School, visit www.drewcharterschool.org/.
For more on the awards, please visit the Dispelling the Myth website.
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CONTACT:
Catherine Woodling
Charles R. Drew Charter School
404-974-4506
cwoodling@eastlakefoundation.org
