Blue Ribbon Schools Program
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The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a United States government program created to honor schools. Established in 1982 by Secretary of Education Terrell Bell, the program first honored only secondary schools. Then it was expanded to include primary schools. Then it was changed again to honor secondary schools and primary schools in alternation. The program has recognized more than 3,000 schools since its inception.
States, territories, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Department of Defense Education Activity Schools have joined the competition over the years. Special emphases have changed from year to year based on national priorities.
To be selected for recognition, a school conducts a self-evaluation -- a process that allows teachers, students, parents and community representatives to assess their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategic plans for the future. The school then submits a written application, including information on their progress toward achieving the National Education Goals. A review panel selects what they consider the most promising schools for site visits by experienced educators who submit reports on their findings. The review panel considers the reports and makes recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Education, who announces the schools selected for recognition.
See also
References
- Blue Ribbon Schools - Remarks of U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige (http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/2001/10/20011024.html) (public domain US government work)
- Riley Names 266 Blue Ribbon Schools (http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/02-1996/blues.html) (public domain US government work)