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 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014? 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 10-11 in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) will honor 340 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014 representing 290 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 statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, “These great schools are fulfilling the promise of American education—that all students, no matter their name or zip code, can flourish when schools provide safe, creative and challenging learning environments. National Blue Ribbon Schools are models of consistent excellence and a resource for other schools and districts. We celebrate them for their tireless effort and boundless creativity in reaching and teaching every student.”

Some of the National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2014 are: Lanai Road Elementary School of Los Angeles Unified School District in California; Crossroad Academy of Gadsden School District in Florida; Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers of DeKalb County School District in Georgia and Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy of Dallas Independent School District in Texas. To see a full list of the National Blue Ribbon Schools, please go to: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2014/index.html

 Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of seven books, “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.” and “Completing the Dissertation: Tips, techniques and real-life experiences from Ph.D. graduates.” 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]