About the Awards

For parents of color and those living in poverty, finding public schools that show consistent and strong academic gains while also proving to be an affirming place for their child to learn can be a tough job given the many challenges due to lack of resources and funding for high-poverty public schools in Michigan. ​

At Building the Hope Schools, this is the rare yet standard expectation.​

Schools receiving the Building the Hope Schools awards from the Education Trust-Midwest consistently demonstrate exceptional academic progress and growth for traditionally underserved students.

Each Building the Hope school sets a standard of excellence for all students and employs culturally- and linguistically-responsive school-wide practices — including instructional practices — that facilitate students’ outstanding academic progress and growth, making them true outliers in the state of Michigan.

Meet the Awardees
At the 2022 Building the Hope Schools, the majority of students come from low-income backgrounds, and at 80 percent of the schools, the majority of students are students of color.

These public schools are in the top 25% for academic proficiency or above average student growth for all Michigan students. One or more of their subgroups of students — Black, Latino, low-income and English Learner students in particular – also are performing in the top 25% among Michigan’s high-growth public schools where data is available. They also engage in culturally- and linguistically-responsive schoolwide practices — including instructional practices — that facilitate students’ outstanding academic progress and growth, making them true outliers in the state of Michigan. All of the schools are Michigan public schools.

Research also looked for competencies at the schools, including:

1
Student Achievement
Drive for results in student assessments and attaining racial equity in achievement data​
2
Student Growth
Accelerating student learning​​
3
Belief in Learning Potential
Students of color and students from low-income backgrounds can learn at high levels​​
4
Affirming Student, Teacher & School Practices
Positive school climate and culture, including culturally and linguistically responsive practices​
5
Current and Future Success
Instructional and school leadership that creates conditions for current and future success​