(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin today announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools Awards to Arlington Elementary School and Norwood Avenue School in Cranston.

 “Our public education system is one of the foundations of our democracy,” said Congressman Langevin.  “When our school system works, it levels the playing field and offers our children the opportunity for upward mobility. When it fails, it can resign them to poverty and illiteracy.  I am honored to represent the hard working teachers and administrators in Cranston who have committed themselves to providing the very best public education for Cranston children.”

 According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Blue Ribbon Schools program requires schools to meet either of two assessment criteria.  It recognizes schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance in accordance with state assessment systems; and it rewards schools that score in the top 10 percent on state assessments.  Of the schools submitted by each state, at least 50 percent must meet the first criterion of having 40 percent of the students from disadvantaged backgrounds and showing dramatic improvement.

“As a Member of the Democratic Task Force on Education, I am deeply committed to improving our nation's schools so that all children, regardless of the neighborhood in which they grow up, have the chance to achieve their fullest potential,” added Langevin.  “Arlington and Norwood should serve as beacons of success for all Rhode Island public schools.”

The U.S. Department of Education also announced that two schools in Barrington were awarded similar designations, for a total of four in the State of Rhode Island.

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