[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 50 (Monday, April 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E651-E652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING 17 NORTHWEST MISSOURI SCHOOL DISTRICTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2002

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 17 Northwest 
Missouri school districts that have been recognized as ``most-
improved'' by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary 
Education. This recognition highlights the outstanding commitment 
Northwest Missouri has made to ensure that no child is left behind.
  Since 1998, Missouri has administered the Missouri Assessment Program 
(MAP) tests yearly to measure a student's achievement. The mathematics 
assessment is given to fourth, seventh, and 10th graders. A 
communications arts assessment is given to third, seventh, and 11th 
graders, a science assessment is given to third, seventh, and 10th 
graders and a social studies assessment is given to the fourth, eighth, 
and 11th grades. A health/physical education assessment is given to 
fifth and ninth graders as well. These important tests help Missouri's 
schools identify both strong and weak academic areas. Most importantly, 
the MAP tests illustrate the progress Northwest Missouri's school 
districts have made in providing students with the best available 
education.
  I would like to acknowledge the Saint Joseph school district, which 
appeared four times on the ``most improved top ten'' list. These 
schools are Hall Elementary, Webster Elementary (appeared twice), and 
Lafayette High School. Barry School, in Platte County, appeared three 
times on the top ten list, and Nodaway County placed four of its 
schools on the list.
  Other Northwest Missouri schools appearing on the most improved list 
include Chillicothe High School, Penney High School, Pickering 
Elementary School, Tri-County High School, West Platte High School, 
Craig High School, Fairfax Elementary School, North Harrison High 
School, Northeast Nodaway High School, Pattonsburg High School, 
Savannah High School, Smithville High School, South Nodaway High 
School, Southwest High School, Stanberry Elementary, Tri-County 
Elementary, West Nordaway High School, and West Nodaway Elementary.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the above schools for 
their ongoing efforts to strengthen education and the hardworking 
students who demonstrated their

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knowledge. I am confident these schools will continue to successfully 
meet their educational goals.

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