Oakland first: Charter wins Blue Ribbon

Oakland Tribune, Sep 26, 2006 by Grace Rauh, STAFF WRITER

OAKLAND -- American Indian Public Charter School, known for its top test scores and tough-love teaching style, is the first Oakland public school to win a national Blue Ribbon award, which the U.S. Department of Education presents to public and private schools each year.

Nearly 90 percent of the school's students are low-income, but it has some of the highest test scores in the state-run school district. Earlier this year it beat Piedmont Middle School in the affluent neighboring district on the state's bevy of standardized tests.

"I'm just very pleased for all the work we've been doing," school director Ben Chavis said Monday.

The Oakland school is one of 35 public and private California schools to win the award, which has been around for 23 years. Other Oakland schools have won a blue ribbon in past years, but all have been private.

Chavis said his program works because he has high expectations for all students and has convinced them they are smart. He visits any school known for top-notch academics and incorporates their methods into his own program. The outspoken Chavis, however, is disappointed that most Oakland schools are not following his lead.

"The other schools won't come to see what we're doing," he said. "They're so dumb."

Schools are nominated by state officials for the national distinction. The Bay Area is home to eight award winners.

"Everyone involved in these students' lives deserve credit for helping them make these gains that we hope will ultimately help students develop the mastery of skills necessary to be successful adults," state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell said in a statement.

Amador Valley High School and Foothill High School, both from Pleasanton, have won the award, as did California High School, Iron Horse Middle School and Stone Valley Middle School -- all from the San Ramon Valley school district -- and Middle College High School - - from the West Contra Costa school district. Central Middle School part of the San Carlos elementary school district in San Mateo County also has won the award.

The winners will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November. For more information about the Blue Ribbon program visit:

www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/

awards.html.

Contact Grace Rauh at grauh@angnewspapers.com.