News Summary
Four schools in Connecticut have been honored with the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation for their exceptional achievements in student learning. This recognition comes after the discontinuation of the federal Blue Ribbon Schools Program, highlighting the resilience and success of these institutions despite changes in federal support. Schools including HALS Academy, Gildersleeve School, Green Acres Elementary, and Weston Intermediate have been celebrated for their excellence in closing achievement gaps and their overall academic performance, showcasing a continued commitment to high educational standards.
Connecticut Schools Achieve Blue Ribbon Designations Despite Federal Program’s End
New Britain, Connecticut — Four schools in Connecticut have been honored with the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation this week, recognizing their outstanding achievements in student learning. This accomplishment comes despite the federal Blue Ribbon Schools Program being discontinued by the Trump administration in August 2023.
The Significance of the Blue Ribbon Award
The Blue Ribbon designation is awarded annually to schools across the nation that demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and overall student success. It aims to highlight schools that exemplify innovative practices and high standards, encouraging others to improve student outcomes. These four Connecticut schools stand out as noteworthy examples of educational excellence.
Connecticut’s Schools Recognized
Governor Ned Lamont announced in September that the state would officially honor the four schools recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The schools receiving the award are:
- House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy in New Britain
- Gildersleeve School in Portland
- Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven
- Weston Intermediate School in Weston
Recognition Categories and Achievements
The schools were acknowledged in two categories: Exemplary High-Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Education officials highlighted that three of the four schools received recognition in both categories, underscoring their comprehensive success across multiple areas of student achievement. This assessment was based on data from Connecticut’s next-generation accountability system, a framework that evaluates more than test scores to gauge student success fully.
Use of Data and Accountability
The next-generation accountability system in Connecticut considers a variety of factors, including student growth, college and career readiness, and closing achievement gaps among different student groups. Such multi-faceted evaluation ensures that schools are recognized not only for high performance but also for their efforts to support all students, especially those who face greater challenges.
State and Local Advocacy
State officials and local leaders expressed pride and emphasized the importance of celebrating educational excellence despite federal program changes. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significance of recognizing success stories in public education in light of the federal program’s discontinuation, which some observers suggest could reduce national recognition opportunities.
Superintendents from the recognized districts pointed to specific programs and improvements that contributed to their schools’ success. For instance, the School Improvement Grant at Gildersleeve School in Portland enabled additional staffing and resources, leading to improved educational outcomes. Similarly, leadership at Weston Intermediate School emphasized the value of recognizing academic excellence to motivate continued growth.
Additional Recognitions and Visit Plans
Meanwhile, Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden, also recognized in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing category, will be visited by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona—who is also a Connecticut native—to celebrate its achievement. Cardona, a Meriden native, has a long-standing involvement in Connecticut’s education sector, having attended local public schools and worked extensively within the state’s education system.
Conclusion
The recognition of these four schools in Connecticut underscores a persistent commitment to educational excellence within the state, demonstrating that achievement and progress continue to be celebrated despite changes in the federal recognition program. The awards also serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by educators and community leaders to foster high standards and equitable opportunities for all students.
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Additional Resources
- CT News Junkie
- Wikipedia: Blue Ribbon Schools Program
- CT Insider
- Google Search: Blue Ribbon Schools Connecticut
- WFSB
- Google Scholar: Connecticut education awards
- Fox 61
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- CT Post
- Google News: Connecticut schools recognition
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