[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TEACHERS OF SELMA OLINDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HONORED FOR THEIR 
    DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING ACADEMIC SUCCESS FOR ALL

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                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2002

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise during National Teacher Appreciation 
Week to honor the teachers at Selma Olinder Elementary School for their 
outstanding and tireless efforts to raise academic achievement levels 
for all students at the school.
  Selma Olinder Elementary School is a K-5, inner-city school in 
downtown San Jose, California with 67% of its student population being 
English-language learners, meaning that their primary language at home 
is something other than English. Also, 77% of the student population is 
identified statistically as ``disadvantaged'' and qualifies for the 
federal free lunch program.
  From 1999 through 2001, as a result of the diligence of the teachers 
and their commitment to the ``Success For All'' reading program, the 
number of students reading at or above grade level increased by over 
14% and within this same period, the Academic Performance Index was 
raised by more than 25%.
  I am proud and grateful to the teachers for their enthusiasm, and for 
reminding us all that one person can truly make a difference in the 
lives of many.
  I would especially like to recognize Laurel Browning, who has shown 
admirable dedication to her students at Selma Olinder Elementary 
School.

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