Work behind Blue Ribbons

Three local schools have reached a level of national accomplishment.

Mariners Christian School and Victoria and Mariners elementary schools have all been awarded No Child Left Behind national Blue Ribbons for dramatic improvements and a high level of achievement on a state or national scale.

But what are they doing that is different from every other school?

“What happens at this school is that every person here makes an investment in this school,” said Mariners Elementary Principal Pam Coughlin. “We’re doing so well, where do you go from here?”

Apparently, you keep going up.

Mariners had one of the highest state Academic Performance Index scores in the district, and saw increases in almost every area of proficiency by federal standards. The school is more than three times above the bar No Child Left Behind has set for schools in English and math.

Don Cole, head of Mariners Christian School, is using the funds available to the private elementary school. With a $450,000 fundraiser last year, Cole has overhauled the school’s technology, adding projectors, new computers and moved things online. That may help teachers and parents, but for kids, it’s about making them love to learn.

When most kids are asked, “What did you learn today?” many might say “I don’t know” or “nothing.” Mariners Christian teachers are explaining to students the new tools they’re acquiring. The school also has moved to an online format, with updated homework assignments and the latest books offered electronically. School officials review their curriculum every two years.

Victoria Elementary staff were beaming throughout the week.

“It’s one of those places where you just walk on campus and there’s a feel,” said fourth grade teacher Stacy Schnitzer. “We all have the same goals for the kids.”

Victoria saw one of the highest Academic Performance Index increases in the district, and almost across the board saw increases in student proficiencies in math and English.

The Costa Mesa school is in line with all district schools — bringing up scores by occasionally separating students into smaller groups and individualizing the instruction and devoting more time after school to the underperformers.

In one way or another, most Newport Beach and Costa Mesa schools are doing the same things, but by federal standards, these three take the cake.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].