On May 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating “the period commencing April 1, 1984, and ending March 31, 1985, as the Year of Excellence in Education”. This followed the Senate passage of a resolution calling upon him to do so.

This followed “A Nation at Risk”, the 1983 report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education that highlighted the declining state of the U.S. educational system and emphasized the need for educational reform to ensure a competitive workforce.

This clutch back enamel on brass lapel pin was made by Jostens to be worn by supporters of this effort.

The pin is in excellent condition, showing no wear.