The California Department of Education has announced the selection of Harriet Eddy Middle School in Elk Grove Unified School District as a 1999-2000 National Blue Ribbon School nominee.
Harriet Eddy Middle School is one of 49 California middle and high schools nominated by the California Department of Education for 1999-2000 Blue Ribbon School status. Nominated schools have demonstrated exemplary performance in:
- Student focus and support
- School organization and culture
- Challenging standards and curriculum
- Active teaching and learning
- Professional community
- Leadership and educational vitality
- School, family, and community partnerships
- Indicators of success
Presented each year since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Education, the Blue Ribbon Schools Program has celebrated many of America's most successful schools. A Blue Ribbon flag waving overhead has become a trademark of educational excellence. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program promotes and supports the improvement of education in America by:
- identifying and recognizing schools that are models of excellence and equity, schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence for all students
- making research based, self-assessment criteria available to schools looking for a way to reflect on how they are doing
- encouraging schools, both within and among themselves, to share information about best practices which is based on a shared understanding of the standards which demonstrate educational success
Each state education agency administers its own program for selecting public schools to be nominated to the national level. To evaluate the nominations, the U.S. Department of Education convenes a National Review Panel which consists of approximately 100 outstanding public and private school educators from the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels.
Based on the quality of the application, the most promising schools are recommended for site visits. The purpose of a visit is to verify the accuracy of the information the school has provided in its nomination form and to gather any additional information the panel has requested. Experienced educators, including principals of previously recognized schools, visit and observe the schools for two days and submit written site visit reports. The panel considers the reports in its final review of applicants and makes recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Schools selected for national recognition will be notified by May 24, 2000. In the fall of 2000, the 1999-2000 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, DC.
A complete listing of California schools selected as National Blue Ribbon School nominees is available.