OAK PARK : School Chosen to Compete Nationally
Oak Hills Elementary School was among 36 schools chosen to represent the state in nationwide competition to recognize exemplary teaching programs and outstanding students, officials said.
The Oak Park school was the only Ventura County school chosen by state education officials to represent California in the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Started in 1983, the program recognizes outstanding students and instructors.
Oak Hills Principal Anthony W. Knight said his school was chosen in part because of the high scores students received in reading and math tests taken last spring. About 350 students in second through fifth grades were tested.
About 87% of the students at Oaks Hills received above-average test scores in math, Knight said. In reading, 75% of the students received above-average scores.
A school’s teaching environment and programs are also evaluated, as well as its relationship to the community, said Dorothy Vuksich, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Education.
Final word is expected in January from national education officials in Washington, Knight said. Winning schools will be invited to the Capitol to accept the award.
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