15 Sep 2009
U.S. Department of Education Releases National List of Top Schools
DALLAS—Four Dallas ISD Schools have been named Blue Ribbon Schools for 2009 by the U.S. Department of Education. The award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior, or have made dramatic gains in student achievement and helped close gaps in achievement among minority and disadvantaged students.
The Dallas ISD 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools are: George Bannerman Dealey International Academy, George Peabody Elementary School, School of Health Professions at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center and Victor H. Hexter Elementary School.
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private schools based on one of two criteria: 1) 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; and 2) Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that demonstrate dramatic improvement of student performance to high levels on state tests or nationally-normed tests.
"These four schools have already been rated exemplary by the Texas Education Agency, and to have them recognized nationally as Blue Ribbon Schools is absolutely wonderful," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "Each of these schools are models of the excellence that we're seeing throughout the district, and it's encouraging to see others taking note of the many great things that are happening here. It's definitely an exciting time for Dallas ISD."
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools this morning. The schools, a total of 314, will be honored at an awards ceremony on November 3, in Washington, DC.
For a complete list of 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.
"We believe that every student can perform at or above grade level and graduate college and workforce ready to compete in the global economy," is the first core belief adopted by the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.
For a complete list of core beliefs, visit the Web site at http://www.dallasisd.org/about/vision.htm.