U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized 269 schools as 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools based on their overall academic excellence, or for making progress in improving student academic achievement levels. Created in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement.
In the last three years, the percentage of National Blue Ribbon Schools in the region accredited by Middle States (DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY and PA) has increased by 14%. Middle States knows what schools need to do to improve. MSA accreditation provides its members with that knowledge and the meaningful processes necessary for school improvement and improved levels of student performance.
Recent research suggests that the critical differences between schools that make the grade and those that are struggling are the:
- Degree to which the school clearly understands what it needs to do to improve;
- Extent to which the plan to improve is supported by school and community stakeholders; and,
- Capacity of and commitment by the school to implement and sustain its plan to improve over time.
Middle States accreditation helps a school critically review its current performance, set a course for improvement and builds the necessary commitment and support necessary for significant and long term improvement.
Accreditation helps ensure that schools are making the most efficient use of the available resources. Middle States accredited schools are better positioned to ensure that time, talent and money are used in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Middle States congratulates member schools who have proven the process works through their distinction as National Blue Ribbon schools of excellence.
