A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Contact: Jim Bradshaw
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SEVEN SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED AS ?NEW AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOLS?
High Schools Noted for Academic Achievement, Reform Efforts

Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education Patricia McNeil today honored seven high schools from around the country as "New American High Schools," as part of the 1998 Blue Ribbon Schools ceremony.

The schools were recognized for the overall success of their school improvement efforts and the commitment by all staff and the community to high levels of student academic achievement. Principals of the schools were presented a NAHS trophy.

In making the awards, McNeil told the winners,"You are pioneers in creating the high school of the future. You have committed yourselves to ensuring that all of your students achieve challenging academic skills, are prepared for college, and have opportunities to gain the communication, problem-solving, computer and other technical skills so essential to succeeding in both postsecondary education and careers of the 21st century."

An initiative started in 1996, "New American High Schools" aspires to transform high schools into institutions that fully prepare students to meet the challenges of a changing technological and global economy. In addition to meeting challenging academic standards, these public schools help students acquire the communications, problem-solving, computer and technical skills necessary to pursue college and careers. Each of the schools also has developed effective partnerships with the community, parents and postsecondary institutions and demonstrated sustained student academic performance over a five year period.

The winners join 10 other schools who received New American High School designation in 1996. This year?s winners are:

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