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Results:
• Dramatically reduced dropout rate
• 49 former non-graduates received High School Diploma in December 07
• Nine PSJA schools were named the "Best in the State" by Texas Monthly Magazine

The largest school district in Hidalgo County and the second largest in the Rio Grande Valley,  Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) has faced some tough challenges, yet its motto of "Focused on Performance"...

Results:
• 82% of 4th graders passed the state reading test in 2007, up from 56% in 2002 [7th and 10th grade reading scores have also significantly increased]
• Fewer instances of bullying have been reported since the program began

Pateros School District, a small rural district in north central Washington, is working with a regional arts group in an indirect approach to improving student achievement...

A sign in the main office of Southside Primary School lists "protected reading times" for each grade level (for example, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for kindergarten).  "No interruptions can be made to classes at these times," the sign warns...

Results:
• Restoration of community land
• Recognition by various local and national agencies for important environmental work

An environmental project more likely to have been spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency than elementary school students led to Garrett County Public Schools in rural western Maryland receiving the National Civic Star Award for 2008. 

The project, known as Crellin Elementary Corps of Discovery, evolved after students at a 2003 science camp noticed orange water seeping from a playground area into a stream known as Snowy Creek near the school property...

Results:
• 87% of 3rd graders have passed the state math test each of the past two years, up from 63% in 2005

Parma City Schools in Parma, Ohio, and General Motors have collaborated in a program for third-grade students at the district's Thoreau Park Elementary School to boost math and science performance. 

The program evolved after the school community focused on the fact that students were performing poorly on the Ohio...