SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today that 30 California public elementary schools have been selected as 2003 No Child Left Behind — Blue Ribbon Schools.

"I congratulate these schools on this special recognition," said O'Connell. "These fine schools are shining examples of our improving school system, and the teachers, students, and parents should be proud of their tremendous accomplishment."

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) — Blue Ribbon Schools is a national recognition program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). Now in its 20th year, the program encourages states to nominate public schools that show dramatic growth and high achievement. Final Blue Ribbon selections were announced today by U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. Additional schools may be announced at a later date.

This is the first cycle of the newly redesigned NCLB — Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Changes were made to reflect new priorities under the federal NCLB legislation. Under this design, schools must fit one of the two categories: a) Mandatory Category: have a student body comprised of at least 40 percent disadvantaged students and show dramatic improvement; or b) Optional Category: be among the top 10 percent of the schools in the state in terms of student achievement.

Nominees in the top 10 percent of the state were selected based on growth over three years, while schools with a 40 percent economically disadvantaged student body were selected in order of achievement upon having met targets over three years. To become a NCLB — Blue Ribbon School, the USDOE requires that students be at least in the 55th percentile in reading and math, particularly in the highest grade tested. All schools met 2003 Adequate Yearly Progress criteria.

Once nominated by O'Connell, the schools went through a rigorous application process. The weight of the application rested overwhelmingly on test scores -- growth and achievement in reading and math over three years — including those for significant sub-groups. Growth and achievement among sub-groups had to be comparable and schools not in the top 10 percent of the state were required to show dramatic improvement.

"Across the state of California, we are seeing encouraging signs of revival in our schools. Test scores are up, class sizes are smaller, more highly qualified teachers are in the classroom, and additional classrooms are being built," stated O'Connell. "It's an encouraging time and this recognition reminds our teachers and students that their hard work does not go unnoticed."

In addition to the 30 public schools, six private schools have also received NCLB — Blue Ribbon recognition. The Council for American Private Education nominated these schools.

Nationwide, approximately 214 public and private elementary and secondary schools were chosen this year as NCLB — Blue Ribbon Schools. All NCLB -- Blue Ribbon schools will be honored next month at a ceremony in Washington D.C.

Attached is a list of the 2003 NCLB — Blue Ribbon schools. For more information on the NCLB -- Blue Ribbon Schools Program, visit the awards section of the USDOE Web site at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html (Outside Source).

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2003 Award Winning Schools - Blue Ribbon Schools