The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has awarded $1 million to help raise student achievement in 15 Milwaukee Public Schools. All 15 were among the 2010- 11 Wisconsin Schools of Recognition — schools honored for solid student achievement while also having high poverty rates. “We appreciate that these grant funds from DPI are going to high achieving schools,” said Superintendent Gregory E. Thornton. Priority was given to applications that worked toward increasing teacher effectiveness. “This year, MPS has more Schools of Recognition than any other district in the state,” said Dr. Heidi Ramirez, MPS Chief Academic Officer.