Five North Carolina Schools Win Prestigious National Award

2007 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools Award

October 6, 2007

HENDERSON COUNTY NC NEWS -- Of the 287 public and private schools to be awarded the prestigious 2007 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools Award, five North Carolina public schools won recognition. The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrates dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. The schools are selected based on one of two criteria:

• Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests.
• Schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests or in the case of private schools in the top 10 percent of the nation on nationally-normed tests.

Furthermore, of the 287 schools named nationwide, 50 were private schools. The schools selected for this prestigious award; model excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement.

During the announcement of the blue ribbon winners, U.S. Secretary of Education Spellings said, "These schools are proving that when we raise the bar our children will rise to the challenge. It takes a lot of hard work by teachers and students to become a Blue Ribbon school, and it's a privilege to celebrate their great efforts."

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings named these following North Carolina schools winners:

• Bee Log Elementary a Yancey County School
• District No. 7 Elementary a Cumberland County School
• Hendersonville Elementary a Henderson County School
• South Charlotte Middle a Charlotte, Mecklenburg County School
• Tryon Elementary a Polk County School

Two representatives from each of these schools will be honored during a National Recognition Ceremony scheduled for November 12 and 13, 2007, in Washington, DC, where they will receive a plaque and a flag signifying their No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School status.

For the past 25 years, the U.S. Department of Education has recognized many of the nation's most successful schools through its Blue Ribbon Schools Program. On July 28, 2002, Department officials announced that schools singled out for national honors must also reflect the goals of the nation's new education reforms for high standards and accountability found under No Child Left Behind.

A total of 413 schools nationwide can be nominated. This number is determined based on how many schools and students reside in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Chief State School Officer (CSSO) nominates public schools, and the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) submits private schools nominations.

Under No Child Left Behind, schools must make Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, in reading and language arts and mathematics. Each state, not the federal government, sets its own academic standards and benchmark goals.

Schools that fail to make AYP for two consecutive school years will be identified as needing school improvement before the beginning of the next school year. These schools must develop a two-year plan to turn around the school. Every student in the school must be given the option to transfer to another public school in the district, which has not been identified as in need of improvement. Parents can transfer their children at anytime. Schools will provide transportation, subject to a spending cap, provided by the school district.

If a school does not make AYP for three consecutive years, the school remains in school improvement and the district must continue to offer public school choice to all students. In addition, students from low-income families must be offered "supplemental educational services" - free tutoring services or additional academic help for students provided outside of the regular school day. Parents can choose the services their child needs from a list of approved providers.

Understanding the parental right to "school choice" under No Child Left Behind is only one aspect of the program. Parents also need to help their children succeed in school. Parents involvement is a key factor in achieving a Blue Ribbon school. Parents can involve themselves in a variety of ways to promote their child's achievement. There are dozens of fun activities parents can use to build math, reading, and language skills of their children at home. Parents should also actively attend Board of Education meetings to share with district officials their thoughts on school progress.

North Carolinians have invested millions of tax dollars to provide their youth an exceptional learning experience. The North Carolina Department of Education is working diligently to provide public school districts and parents with useful tools and information. In an effort to help schools and students make AYP, compete for the Blue Ribbon School Award, and achieve the goal of having No Child Left Behind. For more information on No Child Left Behind efforts in North Carolina Visit: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/nclb/

County NC News would also like to congratulate the parents, students, teachers, and administrators of all Blue Ribbon Schools winners. Job well done!