Four local LBUSD schools (of just 53 nationwide) have received the honor of being named to the National Center for Urban School Transformation’s 2008 National Honor Roll.

Tucker, Signal Hill and King elementary schools, along with Robinson K-8 Academy, each made the Honor Roll.  Of these four local schools, both Tucker and Signal Hill were selected to advance as finalists for NCUST’s top honor this spring, the 2008 Excellence in Urban Education Award.  Only 20 finalists were chosen nationwide.

LBUSD was the only school district in California to produce two finalists.  In fact, NCUST chose only two other California schools as finalists this year – one in Bakersfield and one in Sacramento.  Last year, Long Beach’s Edison Elementary School became one of only seven schools nationwide to win NCUST’s top honor, while LBUSD’s Signal Hill Elementary School qualified as one of only 18 finalists.

To compete for the award, urban school applicants must meet 11 rigorous criteria, including proficiency rates on state assessments that exceed state averages, high achievement for all demographic groups served, high attendance rates, low suspension and expulsion rates for all demographic groups served, high graduation rates, and the attainment of federal Adequate Yearly Progress goals.

The majority of students served at the schools must meet low-income criteria, and the schools must have non-selective admissions policies.  Only 53 applicants from across the nation met these lofty criteria.  All 53 of them are listed as NCUST’s 2008 National Honor Roll.

Winners will receive an award check for $1,000 and a large banner for their school, as well as a commemorative photo album, a profile published on the NCUST website, and complimentary travel and registration for two people to the symposium.