Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force named two Lawrence elementary schools as recipients of a 2007 Challenge Award.

Woodlawn and Pinckney schools earned the honor for exceeding student expectations on state assessments, based on the schools’ socioeconomic rankings.

At Woodlawn, the awards were given for third-grade math and fifth-grade reading. Sixth-graders at Pinckney are being honored for surpassing reading standards.

“I think it’s phenomenal,” said Woodlawn Principal Jeanne Fridell. “I think it’s showing that our staff has worked very hard and our students have been very dedicated to the goal of what they need to do.”

Data from the Quality Performance Accreditation process show that the greatest achievement gap happens in schools with a high percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

Certificates of merit will be presented to 51 Kansas school districts Nov. 14.