The report cards released Thursday by the Oregon Department of Education are based on student performance in 2000, particularly state tests, followed by attendance and dropout rates, SAT scores and teacher education.
Schools earn grades of exceptional, strong, satisfactory, low or unacceptable.
Statewide, just 43 schools earned this achievement. Orchard Hill Elementary School in the Phoenix-Talent School District and Elk Trail and White City elementary schools in the Eagle Point School District. Medford, Ashland, Central Point and Rogue River have a total of 26 schools that had strong or exceptional scores in student performance, meaning 68 percent or better of the students met or exceeded state reading, writing and math tests. The Medford area s 18 schools surged ahead in scores, with 13 posting grades of strong or above, and the rest receiving satisfactory marks. Almost all these schools showed academic gains.