A.E. Phillips Laboratory School has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023.
The Lincoln Parish-based school consisting of grades K through 8th is one of 353 schools across the country to receive the impressive designation, which is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments.
A.E. Phillips Director Jenny Blalock said she was pleasantly surprised when learning of the nomination and extremely grateful for everyone who has been a part of the school’s success.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for the support and encouragement provided to our faculty and staff on a daily basis,” said Blalock. “Our Bullpup family is a special aspect of our school for which I am truly grateful.
“I would also like to thank Lincoln Parish School Board superintendent Ricky Durrett and his team, Louisiana Tech President Dr. Les Guice and his staff, professors of the College of Education and Human Sciences and Dr. Don Schillinger. They have all served as a support system for the faculty and staff of A.E. Phillips.
“This honor would not have been possible without their support and guidance. It’s difficult to express the depth of gratitude to our stellar faculty and staff and Bullpups.”
With its 40th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools represent the full diversity of American schools and serve students of every background.
“I am grateful daily that my children are fortunate to benefit from the blessing that place is and the way each child and team member is valued,” said Lindsey Keith-Vincent, Louisiana Tech Associate Dean for Research, Outreach and Innovation. “This award is a testament to what can happen when folks come together to work towards a shared, meaningful goal in order to make a big impact.”
While awardee schools represent the diverse fabric of American schools, they also share some core elements. National Blue Ribbon School leaders articulate a vision of excellence and hold everyone to high standards. They demonstrate effective and innovative teaching and learning, and the schools value and support teachers and staff through meaningful professional learning. Data from many sources are used to drive instruction and every student strives for success. Families, communities, and educators work together toward common goals.
National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
The Department recognizes all schools 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.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Nominated schools also complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent 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. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
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