Runnymede Elementary School in Taneytown has received a state grant of $31,498 for raising its Maryland School Performance Assessment Program test scores over the past two to three years.

Taneytown Elementary and West Middle schools received certificates for making significant improvement on the state tests over a one-year period.

The honors were part of Gov. Parris N. Glendening's school recognition program providing $2.75 million in grants to schools that improve their test scores.

The School Performance Recognition Program was approved by the General Assembly in 1996 and is administered by the State Department of Education.

School selection for awards was based on MSPAP scores, Maryland Functional Tests and yearly attendance rates. Financial awards ranged from $15,740 to $64,605.

Awards were presented by Glendening and State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick yesterday at Martin's East- wind in Essex. Also present were the schools' principals and staff and local school superintendents.

"We honor you today because your efforts and your accomplishments offer Maryland a brighter future," Glendening told the school representatives.

Pub Date: 11/19/98