State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today congratulated 22 California public schools that have been chosen as 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools. This coveted award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. “Congratulations to all the schools on this list and to the educators, parents, students, and communities for helping students believe in themselves, set high goals, and realize their potential,” Torlakson said. “You are shining examples of the terrific things happening in California public education, and we must keep our momentum going because the California Way is to move forward and upward.” The California winners are among 342 schools announced this morning by U.S. Department of Education. In its 35-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented this award to more than 8,500 schools. All schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates: • Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or national tests. • Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students over the past five years. Public schools are nominated by top education officials in each state, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. More information about the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website. California's National Blue Ribbon Public Schools for 2017
# # # # The California Department of Education is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. For more information, please visit the California Department of Education’s website or by mobile device. You may also follow Superintendent Torlakson on Twitter, Facebook, andYouTube _______________________________________________ |