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About the
Blue Ribbon Schools Program:
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The Basics
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This fact sheet is provided courtesy of the U.S. Department
of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Program.
Use the links to the left to explore individual topics, or
simply scroll down to read all the information.
For additional information, visit the web site at Blue
Ribbon Schools.
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History
& Purpose
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established by the U.S Secretary
of Education in1982 with three goals in mind: identify and recognize
outstanding public and private schools across the United States,
offer a comprehensive framework of’ key criteria for school
effectiveness, and facilitate the sharing of best practices among
schools. Over the years, the program has developed a reputation
for offering a powerful tool for school improvement in addition
to providing recognition.
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Number
& Types of Recognized Schools
Since 1982, more than 3,500 schools have been recognized [‘or
their excellence, roughly 45% of those that apply for the award.
Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools:
public and private; large and small; urban, suburban, and rural;
traditional and innovative. They serve students from a wide range
of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
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Eligibility
Public and private schools serving grades K- 12 representing
the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin
Islands, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Department of Defense
Dependents Schools are eligible. A school must be in operation
for five full years before submitting a nomination.
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Criteria
for Selection
Schools must be recommended for national recognition by their
state department of education or sponsoring agency. Nominations
are evaluated by a National Review Panel that considers these
criteria: 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’ success.
The final determination, made by the Secretary of Education, is
based on the recommendation of the Panel.
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Nature
of the Process
A school preparing a Blue Ribbon nomination goes through a demanding
self-assessment experience. Over the course of years or months,
the entire school community including students, teachers, parents,
administrators, business leaders, and other community representatives
participate in data collection and reflection that validate success
and reveal areas for improvement.
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Building
toward the Future
Blue Ribbon schools do not rest on their laurels. They become
part of a growing network of successful educators committed to
helping other schools identify their strengths and weaknesses.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program has steadily created a body of
experience and expertise that has helped improve schools throughout
the country.
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