MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew LaPlant
561-297-3022, alaplant@fau.edu

FAU's A.D. Henderson University School
Named Blue Ribbon School

BOCA RATON, FL (September 22, 2004) - Florida Atlantic University's A.D. Henderson University School has been named one of the nation's No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools of 2004, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige announced.

"No Child Left Behind is starting to generate some amazing results, transforming the educational landscape," Paige said. "I am pleased to announce the schools that have been named No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools, and I congratulate them for their achievements."

The Henderson School was one of 12 schools named a Blue Ribbon school in Florida, and one of approximately 250 in the nation. A complete list of schools is available at www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.

The schools are selected based on one of three criteria:

1. Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance on state tests, as determined by the state school chief.
2. Schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent on state tests.
3. Private schools that achieve in the top 10 percent of the nation.

"We are extremely gratified that the U.S. Department of Education has chosen to award the expertise and effort of the students, faculty, staff, parents, researchers and administrators of the A. D. Henderson University School, the College of Education and the Florida Atlantic University community with its highest award.," said Glenn Thomas, director of the Henderson School.

Alexander D. Henderson University School is a public school district functioning as a laboratory school located on the campus of FAU in Boca Raton. Within the context of an exemplary educational program for the students enrolled, the essential role of the school is to provide for educational research and curriculum development for service to public schools. It serves as a site for student field experiences and provides an excellent opportunity for teacher trainees to work with highly qualified master teachers in a model school environment.

For more information on FAU's A.D. Henderson University School, contact Glenn Thomas at 561-297-3977 or thomas@fau.edu.

-FAU-