Blue Ribbon Schools Named for 2000-2001

US Education Department Press Releases

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U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today named 264 public and private elementary schools as the 2000-2001 Blue Ribbon Schools. This 18-year-old program spotlights schools from around the country that have excelled in school leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement. "These schools represent pockets of excellence in education that can be found in communities all across the country," Paige said. "Blue Ribbon Schools can serve as examples of what is possible under the president's plan to create a system of education that gives every child access to a quality education." President Bush has proposed a comprehensive education reform plan -- No Child Left Behind -- in order to give every child a real opportunity to attend an excellent school. Paige said the recognized schools share several characteristics, including: a clear vision and shared sense of mission; a challenging, up-to-date curriculum; policies and practices to ensure a safe campus conducive to learning; evidence of family involvement; and a commitment to help all students achieve high standards. This year, 223 public schools and 41 private schools in 38 states and a Department of Defense school in Belgium are being recognized. The schools were nominated by state education agencies, the Department of Defense and the Council for American Private Education. Each nominating agency has an assigned Blue Ribbon Schools program liaison who provides materials and information to its respective schools during the application process. Selection of Blue Ribbon Schools is based on an evaluation of written materials from the nominated schools and the reports of experienced principals and administrators who conducted site visits to these schools. Reviewers make recommendations to the secretary of education for final selection. Elementary and secondary schools participate in alternate years with middle schools participating in the recognition program with high schools. Schools selected for recognition have each conducted a thorough self-evaluation involving administrators, teachers, students, parents and community representatives as part of the application process. This process included assessing their strengths and weaknesses and developing strategic plans for the future development of the school.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Following is a list of recognized schools.

2000-2001 Blue Ribbon Schools