Looking for inspiration to share your district's good news? Here are a few examples of what Ohio districts and schools are achieving.

The U.S. Department of Education named 12 Ohio public schools as 2010 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
“Being named a Blue Ribbon School is a testament to the focused work and outstanding achievements occurring each day in these schools,” said Deborah S. Delisle, Ohio’s superintendent of public instruction. Visit http://links.ohioschoolboards.org/64995 to learn more.

Ohio students’ SAT and ACT scores outperform national average
Ohio students again performed above the national average on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and ACT college entrance and placement exams. On the SAT, Ohio students recorded an average verbal skills score of 537, compared to the national average of 498. In math skills, the state’s students scored an average of 550, while the national average was 511, and Ohio students’ averaged a writing score of 518, compared to the national average of 488. Ohio students also topped the U.S. average on ACT scores, with an average composite score of 21.8%, compared to 21% nationally.

State report cards reflect increased district, school achievements
Nearly 90% of Ohio districts and over 68% of school buildings were rated Effective or higher on this year’s state report cards. The percentage of districts ranked effective or higher increased from 85% in 2008-2009. Eighty-one districts and 305 school buildings earned the rating of excellent with distinction. For details, visit www.reportcard.ohio.gov.

Ohio wins Race to the Top funds
Ohio will receive $400 million in federal Race to the Top funds over the next four years. Ohio’s Race to the Top strategy includes initiatives that will help teachers transition to these new standards with a focus on instruction and assessment strategies. These activities, coupled with the enhanced requirements of the Ohio Core, will enable teachers to provide their students with the needed rigorous classroom experience and instructional support.

Parma City earns honorable mention in Magna Awards program
Parma City Schools’ “Leadership for Tomorrow” program was selected as an honorable mention recipient in the American School Board Journal’s 16th annual Magna Awards program. The project enabled students to conduct extensive question-and-answer sessions with the Parma mayor, city council president, city treasurer, clerk of council and a local judge. Learn more about the Magna Awards at www.asbj.com/magna.

State garners another public education honor
The Education Commission of the States (ECS) has honored Ohio with the 2010 Frank Newman Award for State Innovation, stating that education reforms enacted in 2009’s House Bill 1 show Ohio’s commitment to “informed, bold and courageous reform.” ECS praised Gov. Ted Strickland and state legislators, and singled out the governor for his “comprehensive efforts to review, align and improve Ohio’s educational system.” For more on the award, visit http://links.ohioschoolboards.org/77188.