Joe Donnelly: “I also applaud Merle Sidener Gifted Academy of Indianapolis, IN for being recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon…”

“I also applaud Merle Sidener Gifted Academy of Indianapolis, IN for being recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized over 7,000 public and non-public schools that demonstrate a vision of educational excellence for all students, regardless of their social or economic background. Since its inception, this program has offered the opportunity for schools in every State to gain recognition for educational accomplishments in closing the achievement gaps among student groups. Recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education is based on a school either being measured as an Exemplary High Performing School, where schools are among the State's highest scorers in English and mathematics, or as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School, where schools with at least 40 percent of their student body coming from disadvantaged backgrounds have reduced the achievement gap in English and mathematics within the last 5 years. Merle Sidener Gifted Academy has made great strides in the area of improved proficiency in both English and mathematics. Merle Sidener Gifted Academy has a rigorous academic curriculum, and students are provided a different approach to learning through the incorporation of technology.…”