Selma City Schools is once again being recognized for its achievements during the 2018-2019 school year, this time by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE), one of the nation’s foremost authorities in education consulting.

The organization named the Selma City School district an Innovative District for “making rapid and significant improvements in student outcomes,” according to an ICLE press release.

“Selma City School recognized the need for change, collectively established a vision and systematically worked together to create a learning environment that enables students of all abilities to thrive,” the press release states.

Selma City Schools is one of eight districts to be recognized and representatives of the school system have been invited to ICLE’s 27th Annual Model Schools Conference later this month to share the district’s “transformational journey and best practices.”

The conference provides a forum for dedicated educators and leaders to share innovative ideas for developing the classrooms of the future.

“Innovative Districts prioritize creating a supportive, system-wide culture of high expectations and strong relationships,” said ICLE Founder and Chairman Dr. Bill Daggett. “We commend the 2019 Innovative Districts for taking action to create impact by implementing specific and adaptable strategies for a positive learning environment that is felt across the district by teachers, leaders, students, parents and the greater community.”

According to Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, Selma’s presentation before the conference will be entitled “Aim for Excellence: Transforming to a Culture of Joy.”

“We have been intentional about transforming Team Selma to a culture of joy,” Williams said. “Our goal is to ensure that students are first and our teachers and leaders are supported. Through the implementation of our strategic plan, we have a plan laid out that guides our daily journey towards excellence. Telling our own story and establishing key community partnerships have greatly aided our efforts. We are honored to have the opportunity to share our successes and challenges with educators across the nation.”

Innovative District awards are given out annually by the ICLE based on a number of criteria, including “substantive, data-validated growth year over year; evidence of a strong culture that puts students at the center of learning; and dedication to transforming instruction to meet the needs and demands of the future.”

“Now more than ever, it’s critical educators and leaders have the opportunity to exchange practical and effective ideas and research-based strategies that will help prepare students for lifelong success,” Daggett said. “We’re thrilled to host this year’s Model Schools Conference in our nation’s capital and look forward to hearing how these trailblazing practitioners are implementing actionable, sustainable change to transform district culture.”

Williams and other representatives from Selma City Schools will attend this year’s conference in Washington, D.C. on June 23.