WHO:             State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery
                        Educators from Six Maryland Schools and School Systems

WHAT:   A surprise announcement as schools from Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Garrett, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties will be named as recipients of Maryland’s 2014 Blue Ribbon School Award.  

WHEN:          9:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 11

WHERE:       State Board Room
                      Seventh Floor
                      Maryland State Department of Education
                       200 W. Baltimore Street
                       Baltimore, MD  21201

WHY:   The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a state and national program that recognizes and honors schools that exhibit high performance and/or significant improvement in reading and mathematics achievement as measured by Maryland’s assessments.  Schools must meet rigorous standards developed by the Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education.  These schools are all high achievers in reading and mathematics, and many serve a significant number of economically disadvantaged students. Other achievement indicators include school leadership, professional development, instructional approaches, and parent and community involvement. Maryland can select up to six schools for recognition, based on its school-age population.  The Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools go on to compete for National Blue Ribbon Awards, which will be announced by the U.S. Department of Education next September.