The Houston research and advocacy group Children at Risk will recognize Memorial High School and Westchester Academy for International Studies as two of its Top 10 Area High Schools during a Monday morning press conference at the southeast campus of Yes! Prep. Children at Risk compiles, publishes and promotes an annual list of what it considers the region’s best high schools. Memorial High Principal Steve Shorter and Westchester Academy Director Pamela Butler will make brief public remarks during the 10 a.m. press briefing.
Memorial High, located at 935 Echo Lane, was rated No. 5 locally by the nonprofit group last year; in 2006, it was rated No. 3 by the group. High schools are ranked on a variety of data, including graduation rates and students’ scores on the SAT college-entrance exam, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests, and annual results from TAKS, or the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. Schools with higher percentages of students from families with lower incomes have been awarded more points in past reviews. Teacher experience is a ranking factor, too, as well as other criteria. Children at Risk's web site is www.childrenatrisk.org.
Houston Chronicle reporter Ericka Mellon visited Westchester Academy, located at 901 Yorkchester, earlier this week. She interviewed Director Pamela Butler and visited classes. A newspaper story about the Children at Risk rankings, which may include discussion of the SBISD schools, may be published on Sunday, March 30. The newspaper’s public web site is www.chron.com.