Sean McComb, 2014 National Teacher of the Year, after reviewing the many options before him, elected to go back to the classroom. “I’m a high school teacher,” he told the audience, “I don’t give up easily.” McComb described his own childhood in evoking “a place called school” where he–and countless other students–found, and find, safety and Read More
Principal Abbie Oliver's "Hometown Hero" award included a hands on experience with boa constrictor. Read More
Caldwell Early College High School Caldwell County Schools Hudson, NC A partnership between Caldwell County Schools and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) created Caldwell Early College High School (CECHS) in 2006 with an emphasis on creating opportunities The school’s five-year program is located on the CCC&TI campus and emphasizes creating opportunities for first-generation college students Read More
In November 2014, educators from more than 300 National Blue Ribbon Schools from around the nation met in the District of Columbia to talk about the hard work that led to their gains and national awards. Staff from the Progress blog of the U.S. Department of Education asked a number of these educators about what Read More
Students at Ardella Tibby Elementary School in Compton (Los Angeles), CA are making great strides in writing and critical thinking through targeted professional development on teaching writing. Watch the new video featuring Tibby’s successful writing program.
Focusing on the school’s emphasis on educating the whole child, the USED Progress blog highlights Haines Elementary School (Haines, AK). Read the Haynes School summary.
LaVace Stewart Elementary School offers pre-schoolers a jump start on academic success through purposeful play. Read More
LaVace Stewart Elementary School Clear Creek Independent School District Kemah, TX Under the guidance of Principal Britani Moses, LaVace Stewart helps prepare qualifying three-and four-year-olds for successful school careers by immersing them in engaging learning experiences suited to young children’s natural curiosity and energy. Pre-K classes are in Spanish or English and feature constructive play—building, Read More
In an effort to spread best practices exemplified by National Blue Ribbon Schools, the program conducts site visits (including virtual site visits) to a number of schools each year. Three new videos draw on those site visits to highlight very successful practices. Meaningful Play: Pre-K Prepares Students for School Success. (5:23). The pre-K program at Read More
Tibby Elementary School Compton Unified School District Compton, CA When Principal Ontrece Ellerbe arrived at Tibby, the data showed students were considerably more successful in math than ELA, leading Ellerbe and her team to conclude that the problem wasn’t with the students, but with the teaching. Through intensive professional development, coaching, and professional learning communities, Read More