U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today named Erie’s Lincoln Elementary School a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020. Lincoln Elementary is one of only 367 schools nationwide to receive the coveted award, which recognizes a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps.
“We’re extremely proud of the staff at Lincoln for receiving this honor,” Erie schools Superintendent Brian Polito said. “They have been working very hard to improve test scores and definitely deserve this recognition.”
The Education Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates. Schools that are among their state’s highest performing as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests are named “Exemplary High Performing Schools.” Schools that are among their state’s highest performing in closing achievement gaps between student groups and all students are named “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools.”
Lincoln’s award recognizes the school’s ability to close achievement gaps. The school at 831 E. 31 st St. serves 440 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.
Lincoln Principal Carla Johnson said the entire school community should feel proud of the recognition. Closing the achievement gap takes time, focused effort by the entire staff, and the ability to meet students where they are, she said.
“We are providing high level instruction to all students using kid-friendly language,” Johnson said.
The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually Nov. 12 and 13. Winning schools will receive plaques and flags via mail.
