Blue Ribbon Program Information

The Title I Academic Achievement Awards Program is authorized by NCLB, Section 1117 (b). This program has been in operation since 1982. The program was designed to identify and to honor Title I schools with demonstrated success in ensuring that all students make significant progress toward meeting or exceeding state content standards. The schools that are eligible to receive the Title I Academic Achievement Award have closed the achievement gap between the significant subgroups of students enrolled in the school and have made adequate yearly progress for at least two consecutive years. Each school meeting the specific eligibility requirements may receive this award.

Selection of Title I Academic Achievement Schools

The California Department of Education notifies the district and school site that the school has met the academic eligibility requirements to complete participation documents for the Academic Achievement Award. The documents require the school administration to describe the attributes of its Title I program based on essential program components contained in NCLB Title I statutes and regulations. To accomplish this, a school must conduct a self-assessment and provide a description of available services for program participants and their parents or guardians. Specific program elements are provided to the schools to assist them in completing their participation applications. California Department of Education staff reviews the application.

Additionally, two schools are eligible to receive national recognition by the National Association of State Title I Directors. One school represents the state's Title I schools that have exhibited exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years. The other school represents the state's Title I schools that have made the most progress in significantly closing the achievement gap between student groups.

Updated: March 29, 2012