The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a United States government program created to honor schools. Established in 1982 by Secretary of Education Terrell Bell, the program first honored only secondary schools. Then it was expanded to include primary schools. Then it was changed again to honor secondary schools and primary schools in alternation. The program has recognized more than 3,000 schools since its inception. The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1789 by a constitutional convention, sets down the basic framework of American government in its seven articles. ... The United States Secretary of Education is the head of the Department of Education. ... Terrell H. Bell (born November 11, 1921) was the first United States Secretary of Education in the Cabinet of President Ronald Reagan, initially appointed with the expectation that he would preside over the dismantling of his department. ...

States, territories, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Department of Defense Education Activity Schools have joined the competition over the years. Special emphases have changed from year to year based on national priorities. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) responsibility is the administration and management of 55. ...

To be selected for recognition, a school conducts a self-evaluation -- a process that allows teachers, students, parents and community representatives to assess their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategic plans for the future. The school then submits a written application, including information on their progress toward achieving the National Education Goals. A review panel selects what they consider the most promising schools for site visits by experienced educators who submit reports on their findings. The review panel considers the reports and makes recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Education, who announces the schools selected for recognition. The United States Secretary of Education is the head of the Department of Education. ...

See also

• United States Department of Education
• No Child Left Behind

The United States Department of Education was created in 1979 (by PL 96-88) as a Cabinet-level department of the United States government, and began operating in 1980. ... Signing ceremony at Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio. ...

References

• Blue Ribbon Schools - Remarks of U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige (http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/2001/10/20011024.html) (public domain US government work)
• Riley Names 266 Blue Ribbon Schools (http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/02-1996/blues.html) (public domain US government work)