East Avenue Middle School Named a 2013 California Distinguished School

East Avenue Middle School has been named a 2013 California Distinguished School, as announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on March 30, 2013. The 2013 California Distinguished Schools Program focuses on California’s students and their entitlement to an equitable and rigorous education. 

The program identifies and honors those schools that have demonstrated innovative programs and educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap.

“These schools have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college,” Torlakson said. “Given the enormous challenges schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools. Our future depends on meeting the needs of every student no matter where they come from or where they live.” 

Elementary and secondary schools (middle and high schools) are recognized in alternate years. This year focuses on secondary schools. To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. The eligibility to apply for the award is based on a school’s Academic Performance Index (API) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. A school must describe how it has significantly closed the student achievement gap among subgroups through two “signature practices.” These implemented practices must be replicable and specifically related to the success of a school’s students.

Each school was notified of its eligibility in October 2012 and began the application process which consists of a written application, including a comprehensive description of the two signature practices. East Avenue Middle School staff identified “Instructional Rounds” and “Tracking Student Performance” as their signature practices. Applications were reviewed by teams of educators from across the state under the direction of the California Department of Education (CDE). 

Approved applicants moved forward in the process, receiving a visit by a team of educators to validate the full implementation of the submitted practices. The visits were conducted as a collaborative effort between the CDE and county superintendents of schools. During the validation visit to East Avenue Middle School, the team interviewed and interacted with the Board of Trustees, students, teachers, classified staff, District administrators, and the principal, as well as parent representatives from the Booster Club and School Site Council. While visiting classrooms, the team gathered additional evidence of the effectiveness of the school’s signature practices. 

Josh Swerdlow, Principal at East Avenue Middle School, says “the entire East Avenue community is extremely honored and excited to have won the California Distinguished School Award.  It is through the collaboration and hard work of the staff, students, and parents that we have been able to receive this award.  East Avenue continues to provide its students with excellent instructional programs that enhance the experience of each and every student.  I am very happy for East Avenue and this community which truly deserves to be distinguished”. 

Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their signature practices with other schools and serve as mentors to other educators who want to replicate their work. The list of schools may be found on the CDE website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/.

Schools selected for recognition were be honored as Distinguished Schools at award ceremony in May where Torlakson will present each school with a 2013 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The event and awards are funded by donations from many of California's most prominent corporations and statewide educational organizations.

The Board of Trustees and Superintendent Kelly Bowers commend East Avenue Middle School for earning this award, an achievement which is particularly impressive given the severe economic conditions that public schools are facing.

Editor's Note: This article originally ran on Livermore Patch in April 2013.