Twenty-seven Public Schools, 5 Private Schools Given National Honor

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced 27 California public schools and five private schools have been identified by the U.S. Department of Education as 2008 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) — Blue Ribbon Schools. Schools receiving this honor are considered national models of excellence. The list of schools is attached.

"This has been a very tough year for schools as they face higher accountability standards and at the same time shrinking budgets as a result of the economy and lack of a state budget," said O’Connell. “The fact that these schools are named NCLB-Blue Ribbon Schools this year is truly a testament to the hard work and determination of their students and school staff to excel. I want to congratulate teachers and administrators who have created a positive school environment so their students will thrive."

The NCLB-Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a 25-year-old program that encourages states to nominate public kindergarten through grade twelve schools that are either academically superior or demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. California public schools were chosen largely from among the 2007 California Distinguished Schools. Private schools were nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

Schools must fit one of three categories: (1.) high achieving, dramatically improving; (2.) dramatically improving; and (3.) high achieving. Schools in the first two categories must have a student body of 40 percent or more disadvantaged students. Their levels of proficiency places the school at the 90th or the 60th percentiles, respectively, in English-language arts and mathematics in the highest grade tested when compared to other schools in the state. Schools in the third category, regardless of student demographics, must have scores that place the school at the 90th percentile in English-language arts and mathematics in the highest grade tested when compared to other schools in the state.

All awardees met the federal accountability model (Adequate Yearly Progress) requirement for 2006, 2007, and 2008; and the state accountability model (Academic Performance Index) growth targets. The schools will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in October.

To obtain further information on the program and review a list of 2008 winners nationwide please visit the U.S. Department of Education's Web page: Awards - No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program [http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html] (Outside Source).

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Attachment

2008 No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon Schools
California Public Schools

California Private Schools