ERICSON, FLORENCE, FLETCHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS GAIN BLUE RIBBON
Three San Diego Unified elementary schools, Ericson in Mira Mesa, Florence
in Hillcrest and Fletcher in the Birdland neighborhood, were today named
Blue Ribbon Schools by the United States Department of Education.
The schools are being honored for dramatic increases in student achievement
over the last three school years, something especially challenging at
schools qualifying for the federal Title I program, which means 80 percent
or more students qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch.
³These three schools are outstanding examples of the dedication of the
entire staff to student achievement,² said Superintendent Terry Grier. ³And
let¹s not forget the students, who must share in this salute for their hard
work and serious study.²
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private Title I
elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or
that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. In
addition to being honored at a ceremony in Washington, DC, where each school
receives a plaque and flag signifying their status, these schools serve as
models for other schools throughout the nation. U.S. Education Secretary
Arne Duncan made the announcement from Washington, D.C.
The three schools showed significant improvement in several areas. Students
scoring proficient or advanced &lsqauo; meeting or exceeding state standards &lsqauo; at
the schools rose each year in most cases on state standardized tests. To
receive the award, the schools must also meet several criteria, including
meeting California¹s Academic Performance Index and federal No Child Left
Behind Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals.
³These results generally show that more of these students are improving
every year,² said Grier. ³However, as each class is made up of different
individuals, it¹s important to remember that these principals and teachers
really start over every year.²
For more information on the program, go to the Department of Education¹s
website at http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html
# # #
Jack Brandais
Communications Department
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 725-5570 (Desk)
(619) 607-0477 (Cell)
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