East Bay schools recognized as ‘distinguished’
More than two dozen elementary schools in Alameda and Contra Costa counties have been recognized as “Distinguished Schools” for their gains in academics and meeting performance standards.
The Alameda County schools include Cleveland Elementary School in Oakland, Southgate Elementary in Hayward, Emerson Elementary in Berkeley, Bay Farm Elementary in Alameda and Forest Park Elementary in Fremont.
Among the schools in Contra Costa County are Del Rey Elementary in Orinda and Coyote Creek and Rancho Romero elementary schools, which are both in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.
In addition, Castro Valley Unified School District was a recipient of the inaugural California Exemplary District Award for Alameda County, an award that recognizes districts that use practices that make a positive impact on student outcomes.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced Monday that 287 elementary schools were being honored through the Distinguished Schools program for their gains in implementing academic content and meeting performance standards.
“The number of schools and districts honored with Distinguished School status this year is a testament to the depth and breadth of educational excellence in Alameda County,” Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L. Karen Monroe said in a statement. “All of these deserving honorees should be proud of their work and their dedication and commitment to the success of our students, and I commend them.”
According to state officials, Oakland’s Cleveland Elementary School was recognized because it focused on California Healthy Kids data that indicated students did not feel like they belonged on campus and that showed suspension numbers were disproportionately affecting black students.
As a result, the school launched a “positive behavioral intervention” program and hired a “culture coach” to encourage inclusiveness and responsibility. The result was that only one student has been suspended for one day over the past four years.
Schools that applied for a Distinguished School award, known last year as the Gold Ribbon School Award, were eligible based on their performance in such areas as test scores, suspension rates and English learner progress.
“These schools implement outstanding educational programs and practices that help California students realize their potential, and put them on the path to achieve their dreams,” Torlakson said in a statement. “Every day at these schools, teachers, administrators and classified employees, working with parents, apply their dedication, creativity and talents toward providing a great education for all their students.”
For more information on the state’s Distinguished Schools program and a complete list of those that received the award this year, go to www.cde.ca.gov.