Congratulations to Oak: A Blue Ribbon School

Most folks will have seen the press release that Oak School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.  This prestigious award recognizes schools for exemplary achievement in educating students.  One unique aspect of the NBRS program is that schools have to serve the needs of all students.  The program specifically looks to see that under-privileged students are doing well also.  It is not permissible to skim students, or to serve some students well, but shun others.  Here are the guidelines:

For Public Schools, "high performing" is defined by the CSSO of each state, but at a minimum means (a) that the achievement of the school's students in the most recent year tested places the school in the top 15 percent in the state on state assessments of reading (or English language arts) and mathematics, and (b) disaggregated results for student subgroups, including students from disadvantaged backgrounds, must be similar to the results for all students tested.

This isn't about "teaching to a test", or focusing on one group but ignoring others.  Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for educating the whole child, and serving every child well.  For more information on the program and criteria, please see the US Department of Education Guidelines

Congratulations to Amy Romen, Principal at Oak, and to her entire staff.  They represent the District's values in how they deliver for our students and in everything they do.  Well done.