Successful educational institutions such as the National Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate that all students can achieve high levels. For this feature, the critical questions to be asked are: Who are the Awardees for the 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools? How are these schools recognized? What vehicle is used to measure their achievements?

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. On November 9-10 in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) will honor 335 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015 representing 285 public and 50 private schools. These schools are recognized in the categories of Exemplary High Performing Schools (EHPS) or Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools (EAGCS).

In the EHPS category, for example, these schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels. In the EAGCS category, these schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates for each subgroup are at high levels.

As reported in a video message to the awardees by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, “This honor recognizes your students’ accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success. Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction, and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence—in vision, in implementation, and in results—and we want to learn as much as we can from you.”

Some of the National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015 are: Del Rey Elementary School of Orinda Union School District in California; Jacksonville Beach Elementary School of Duval County Public Schools in Florida; KIPP STRIVE Academy of Atlanta Public Schools in Georgia and Middle College High School of Shelby County Schools in Tennessee.

To see a full list of the National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015, please go to: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2015/national.pdf

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 10 books, “How to Eradicate Bullying” “Education Questions to be Answered,” “Current Issues and Answers in Education,” “How to Eradicate Hazing,” “Professional Career Paths,” “Your Answers to Education Questions,” “How to revitalize the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.” “Completing the Dissertation: Tips, techniques and real-life experiences from Ph.D. graduates.” “Jacob’s Dream, A Story of Careers for Children” and Jacob’s Dream, A Story of Animals in Africa. He is publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper.  Holmes is a former teacher, school administrator and district superintendent. He can be reached at [email protected]