Blue Ribbon School criteria revised

8/13/02 – The U.S. Education Department announced July 28 that schools recognized under the federal Blue Ribbon Schools program will now reflect the goals of the nation's new education reforms for high standards and accountability.

The newly renamed No Child Left Behind–Blue Ribbon Schools Program will reward public and private schools "based on student achievement results, not process," says Education Secretary Rod Paige.

USA Today reports there are at least 19 schools that have received the Blue Ribbon designation over the past five years that have been identified by states as in need of improvement under the No Child Left Behind Act. Three of these schools were just recognized as Blue Ribbon schools in May.

New criteria for the program call for Blue Ribbon Schools to: (1) have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds showing improvement in achievement or (2) score in the top 10 percent on state assessments.

Of the schools submitted for the award from each state, at least 50 percent must meet the first criteria.

Up to now, the selection process for Blue Ribbon schools was based on a framework involving eight categories: student focus and support; school organization and culture; challenging standards and curriculum; active teaching and learning; professional community; leadership and educational vitality; school, family, and community partnerships; and indicators of academic success.

Before, elementary and secondary schools were recognized in alternate years. Now they will be honored in the same year.

Since the Blue Ribbon Schools program was created in 1982, 3,982 schools have been honored. The award greatly enhances the prestige of winning schools and can even drive up property values in the neighborhood.

The secretary will invite state education chiefs to submit recommendations for Blue Ribbon Schools on Nov. 4. Applications from schools are due March 7, and the winners will be announced May 21.