U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized 367 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” said
Secretary DeVos. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do
to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful
lives.” The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of
educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools
where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 38th year,
the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed almost 10,000 awards to
more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards. Schools are
eligible for nomination after five years.
The
Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance
categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation
rates:
- Exemplary High Performing Schools – These are among their state’s highest performing
schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing
Schools – These
are among their state’s highest performing in closing achievement gaps
between a school’s student groups and all students.
