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“We now have proof that high standards and accountability are paying off. Scores are at all-time highs for African-American and Hispanic students, especially in the early grades. We’ve made more progress in the last five years than in the previous 30 combined."
"We’re on the right track. I see it in places like Pueblo, Colorado, where its poorest schools posted a 20-point gain in fourth-grade reading scores. Superintendent Joyce Bales says, 'Anybody can do what we’re doing. It’s easier to complain and whine than it is to do this hard work. We work hard. We work hard all the time...'"
Secretary Spellings’ Back-to-School Address
National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
September 21, 2005
During the annual Back-to-School address at the National Press Club, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings once again recognized the achievements of Pueblo District 60 in Pueblo, Colorado. Seven years ago, District 60 had some of the lowest test scores in the state of Colorado. At 60% minority status and 63% free or reduced-price lunches, few expected the district children to significantly improve their scores. However, Dr. Bales, the superintendent, and Dr. Owen, a school principal, believed every child could learn to read. In 1998, they established a partnership with Lindamood-Bell and set out to close the achievement gap for all of their students.
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