Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools performance category
Roseville, Calif. – On Monday, September 23, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Principal Melissa Duncan will celebrate the announcement of William Kaseberg Elementary School as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School with students, staff, and the school community as they began the school day on Sept 24th.
"This is a testament to our tight-knit, community-oriented environment that focuses on fostering strong, positive relationships among students, staff, and families, which we believe are crucial for both academic achievement and the social-emotional well-being of our students," said Principal Duncan. "Our dedicated teachers and staff approach each day with a commitment to putting students' needs at the center of every decision."
Together, our staff, students, and families strive for excellence and embody the spirit of "Chasing Greatness" within the Kaseberg Hawk Community."
Principal Melissa Duncan
National recognition ceremony
District and school staff and families will honor the recognition and plan to hold additional celebrations in November after the national recognition ceremony in Washington D.C. in early November.
"As one of only 33 schools in California this year with this honor, RCSD is extremely proud of the staff, students, and families at Kaseberg Elementary," said Superintendent Derk Garcia. "This honor for the 'Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools' category speaks to the dedication of our school community in improving student academic achievement while also focusing on campus-wide relationships so students feel supported, valued, and motivated to excel."
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school's entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates.
Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
- Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.
Kaseberg Elementary is recognized in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools performance category.
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education.