This year, for the first time, public schools that have maintained high standards also are eligible for cash awards. Schools' combined scores on the 2000 PSSAs were compared to their baseline scores. Schools that increased their scores by at least 50 points qualified to receive achievement grants. The years used to determine the baseline scores vary from school to school, depending on whether or not a school received or qualified for an award in previous years. Comprehensive AVTSs, where students spend their entire day and take their PSSA at their school, are eligible for achievement awards based upon both improved PSSA scores and job- related placements.
Effort is measured by increases in school- attendance rates.
Eligible schools showed an increase of at least .75 percent over their baseline. Schools that have a combined baseline PSSA score of 2850, score at or above 2850 for three consecutive years, and have not received an award in the past, were eligible for achievement awards. For AVTSs, job-related placements must be at least 15 percent over three consecutive years. A school can earn MHS awards only once every three years. A school committee, chaired by the school principal and including parents, teachers and community and business leaders, determines how to spend the grant money.