The Virginia Department of Education recognized 10 public school divisions, including Lexington, Roanoke County, Radford and Salem, for improving academic achievement among one of the most challenged student groups -- the economically disadvantaged.

Lexington's schools earned the title "Highly Distinguished Title I School Division" and each of the other three school systems earned the designation of "Distinguished Title I School Division."

Exceeding the math and reading achievement objectives of the federal No Child Left Behind Act for two consecutive years, while improving performance among students from low-income families was the criteria for the awards.

Several Roanoke Valley schools also received honors:

-- Botetourt County: Buchanan and Troutville elementary schools

-- Roanoke: Highland Park Elementary School

-- Salem: East Salem and G.W. Carver elementary schools

Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides funding to schools that help at-risk students achieve academically. Last school year, 72 percent of the state's Title I schools met all federal objectives.

-- Courtney Cutright