Woodlawn School has earned three Challenge Awards from the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force.

The Challenge Awards recognize Kansas schools with students who meet uncommon accomplishments based on the state standardized test achievements and school population.

Woodlawn, which was recognized in third-grade reading and math and fifth-grade reading, was the only school in the Lawrence district to receive any certificates of merit. A total of 123 certificates were given to 59 Kansas districts. Woodlawn was one of 29 schools in the state to win more than two Challenge Awards.

“It just verifies what I already know about my staff and my students,” Principal Jeanne Fridell said. “I truly believe that’s how we have the achievements that we have, through teamwork, through working to hone in on specific students and what their needs are and to meet those needs.”

Data gathered through the Quality Performance Accreditation process show that the biggest achievement gaps occur in schools with a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches. That qualification is based on family income.

The Challenge Award winners exceed normal expectations on state standardized tests based on socio-economic status.

Woodlawn also won two Challenge awards in 2007.