ARLINGTON — Three district schools recently recognized for improving student achievement were scheduled to be officially honored on Monday, Oct. 26.

The Center for Educational Effectiveness was slated to present awards to Kent Prairie and Stillaguamish Valley elementary schools and Post Middle School at the most recent Arlington School Board meeting.

The schools were among 104 schools that received acclaim for being in the top 5 percent of highest-improving Washington state schools over the past seven years.

Kent Prairie, Stillaguamish Valley and Post met the center’s “Great Schools” performance criteria based on Washington Assessment of Student Learning test results and other data based on the 2008-09 school year.

“We are extremely proud of the gains being made in these schools and the incredible dedication, hard work and passion of our staff focused on success for all students,” Superintendent Kristine McDuffy said. “We will continue to build upon this great success.”

Post Middle School also received the award based on the 2007-2008 school year.

The Center for Educational Effectiveness was contracted through the Wasington state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in July 2007 to analyze and recognize schools demonstrating “exceptional improvement” in reading and math performance, according to Misti Gilman, public information coordinator for the Arlington School District.

Sponsorship of the “Great Schools” awards was provided this year by the Washington chapter of Phi Delta Kappa International and the center.

Each of the three schools were scheduled to hold small parties to celebrate the achievement, Gilman said.