Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 126-12-11 - County and School Recognition11.1. West Virginia Exemplary Practice Schools. 11.1.a. West Virginia Exemplary Practice Schools are determined by examining accountability indicator measures. Approximately five percent of schools will be selected to apply each year for this prestigious designation. Qualifying schools will be chosen annually from each of the programmatic levels. These schools will be required to participate in a school visit by WVDE staff and submit additional information to showcase their excellence in at least one of the West Virginia Standards for Effective Schools. Exemplary Practice Schools will be eligible for consideration for the Exemplary Schools Continuing Improvement Grant to be awarded by the WVBE.11.2. Other School Recognition Programs.11.2.a. National Blue Ribbon Schools. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the ED seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.11.2.b. Title I Distinguished Schools. The National Title I Distinguished Schools Program recognizes superior Title I schools which demonstrate a wide array of strengths, including team approaches to teaching and learning, focused professional development opportunities for staff, individualized programs for student success, and strong partnerships between the school, parents, and the community. Schools are selected by the state and must qualify under one of the following categories:11.2.b.1. Category 1: Exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years;11.2.b.2. Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups; or11.2.b.3. Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g., homeless, foster care, migrant, EL, etc.).11.2.c. West Virginia Sustainable School. The West Virginia Sustainable School (WVSS) award program recognizes all public schools that exemplify a commitment to sustainable practices in the facilities and integrate those practices into the curriculum and community. The program recognizes schools where staff, students, officials, and communities work together to produce energy efficient, sustainable, and healthy school environments ensuring environmental literacy of graduates. Schools which receive the WVSS award may be nominated for consideration as an ED Green Ribbon School. 11.2.c.1. National Green Ribbon Schools. The ED Green Ribbon School program recognizes schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer sustainability education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.W. Va. Code R. § 126-12-11