News Summary
Four schools in Connecticut have achieved the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation, recognizing their excellence in student learning. Governor Ned Lamont announced that despite the federal program’s discontinuation, the state will continue identifying and celebrating high-performing schools. The designated schools include HALS Academy, Gildersleeve School, Green Acres Elementary, and Weston Intermediate School, with three achieving honors in both Exemplary High-Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing categories. Education officials underscore the importance of this recognition amid a shift in federal support for education.
Hartford, Connecticut – Four schools in Connecticut have received the prestigious Blue Ribbon designation this week, celebrating their significant achievements in student learning. This recognition comes despite the recent discontinuation of the federal Blue Ribbon program, which the Trump administration ended in August 2023.
The schools honored with the designation include the House of Arts, Letters, and Science (HALS) Academy in New Britain, Gildersleeve School in Portland, Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven, and Weston Intermediate School in Weston. Governor Ned Lamont announced in September that the state would continue to acknowledge the excellence demonstrated by these selected institutions.
The Blue Ribbon designation categorizes schools into two main groups: Exemplary High-Performing schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing schools. Notably, three of the four recognized schools achieved honor in both categories. Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker indicated that the selections were based on data derived from Connecticut’s next-generation accountability system, which evaluates various factors contributing to a student’s overall success beyond just standardized test scores.
Amid the termination of the federal recognition program, the importance of celebrating academic excellence in public education has become increasingly vital. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz highlighted the need to uplift educational achievements during a time when federal support is waning. Additionally, Portland Superintendent Charles Britton acknowledged the significant positive influence of the School Improvement Grant on Gildersleeve School, which facilitated additional staffing and led to improved educational outcomes.
The former principal of Weston Intermediate School, Patti Falber, also emphasized the critical role of recognizing academic excellence within the educational framework. The statewide initiative to acknowledge these schools showcases Connecticut’s commitment to fostering a robust learning environment for all students.
In related activities, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, a native of Meriden who has spent significant time working within Connecticut’s education system, is set to visit Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden. This school will also be recognized in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing category. The recognition event for this institution is expected to attract additional attention to the accomplishments of Connecticut schools, further enhancing the ongoing recognition of educational excellence in the state.
As Connecticut’s educational landscape continues to evolve, the state remains committed to evaluating and rewarding schools that showcase exceptional student achievement and are dedicated to closing the achievement gap. With the cessation of the federal Blue Ribbon program, the state’s recognition initiatives serve as a vital affirmation of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by students and educators across Connecticut.
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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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