Study Shows Hialeah, Miami Schools Tops At Reducing Achievement Gap

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HIALEAH (CBSMiami) -- The Miami-Dade County Public School District is celebrating the results of a new, national study which measures academic performance of kids from low-income families compared to those in the middle and upper class.

The study, conducted by national non-profit program, Great Schools, measured 100 major cities in 35 states and found that schools in the City of Hialeah are the best in the country at eliminating the achievement gap between students of higher means and those of less means.

Miami came in number 3.

Both rankings make those city mayors and Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho proud.

"We are demonstrating that a poor community, that a largely immigrant community where we celebrate the speaking of Spanish, alongside English, alongside Creole, and everything else in between, we are delivering results unmatched anywhere else in the country," said Carvalho.

He credits strong district policy, community involvement, and of course, teachers.

"The frontline, the freedom fighters of our generation, our beloved, exceptionally talented, inspired and inspirational teachers," he said.

The study examined data from 2014, from many major cities in 35 states.

It then created a top 10 list, finding that schools in Hialeah and the City of Miami are in the top three for nearly eliminating the achievement gap.

The officials made the announcement at Twin Lakes Elementary School, which has personal significance to Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez.

"It's great to do this right here in the school. Many years ago I was a little immigrant who went to this school," he said.

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado says the cities must do their part to ensure the futures of all students is bright.

"We have to do ours. Ours is to create not jobs, but good paying jobs so these young boys and girls when they graduate don't leave South Florida."

Despite the positive study results, Carvalho acknowledges income level still is a factor in student success. District officials say they will not give up working with students until the playing field is entirely even.

Chief Academic Officer Marie Izquierdo said, "If they're motivated, and we give teachers the resources they that need, they will succeed and we will not only have Hialeah but all of our municipalities, and Miami, on that chart. So that's our charge."

The study shows that despite success in cities like Hialeah and Miami, nationwide the achievement gap is significant.

The study analyzed schools in other Florida cities, including Orlando and Tampa. No cities in Broward County were included in the study.

To read the results for yourself, visit: www.educationequalityindex.org.