Memorial Elementary in Valparaiso was recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today as he recognized 335 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015. Memorial Elementary has earned this award for overall academic excellence. All the schools recognized demonstrate that all students can achieve to high levels.
"This honor recognizes your students' accomplishments and the hard work and dedication that went into their success," Duncan said in a video message to the awardees. "Your journey has taught you collaboration, intentional instruction, and strong relationships in school and with your community. You represent excellence—in vision, in implementation, and in results—and we want to learn as much as we can from you."
Representatives from Memorial Elementary will attend a recognition ceremony on Nov. 9-10 in Washington, D.C.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award plaque affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The award flag gracing a school's building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
Memorial Elementary School is one of ten schools in Indiana recognized for this year’s award. All schools are recognized in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:
Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates are also at the highest levels.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state's highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school's subgroups and all students over the past five years. Student subgroup performance and high school graduation rates for each subgroup are at high levels.