The No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. The schools are selected based on one of two criteria:

• schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests; or
• 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

Under No Child Left Behind, schools must make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in reading (language arts) and mathematics. Although this is a federally sponsored program, each state sets its own academic standards and benchmark goals. Colleen Bevis Elementary was designated by federal officials as a 2007/2008 Blue-Ribbon School and was one of two schools in the county to earn the distinction. Hillel School of Tampa, a private school, also earned this distinction. Bevis Elementary was chosen because the students achieved in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests.

Bevis Elementary was honored at an awards ceremony on October 21, 2008, in Washington, D.C., and was presented with a plaque and a blue ribbon flag.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods

This agenda item is a recognition and there is no financial impact to the district.