High-Performing Schools Invited by State to Apply for Awards

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The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) announced that and schools have been identified as eligible for the 2012 California Distinguished School Award by the California Department of Education (CDE). The award honors schools that have demonstrated educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap. In order to be invited to apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria including designated federal and state accountability measures based on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Academic Performance Index (API) requirements.

The California Distinguished School Award identifies and honors the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools.

“Congratulations to the students, teachers, administrators, and parents of these schools for their hard work and commitment to provide an equitable and rigorous education for all students,” said Superintendent Kelly Bowers.

A total of 28 elementary schools in Alameda County were identified as eligible and invited to apply this year.

Altamont Creek Elementary serves 601 students and Arroyo Seco Elementary serves 741 students.  Both schools have exceeded their API growth targets school wide, including all subgroups.

The Distinguished School Program recognizes elementary and secondary (middle and high) schools during alternate years. For the 2012 cycle, eligible elementary schools are invited to participate. The criteria for school selection is based on the submission of an application, including a comprehensive description of two of the school’s successful signature practices, and an application review.

Applications are reviewed by teams of educators from across the state under the direction of the CDE. Approved applications will move forward in the process. These schools receive a site visit by a team of educators to validate the full implementation of the submitted practices. The site visits are conducted as a collaborative effort between the CDE and county superintendents of schools.

Winners of the 2012 California Distinguished Schools Award are scheduled to be announced by the California Department of Education in April. Schools selected for recognition are honored as Distinguished Schools at award ceremonies in May where the State Superintendent of Public Instruction presents each school with a 2012 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.

Other LVJUSD schools that have been awarded the title of California Distinguished School are:

• 2010 Joe Michell School
• 2009 and 1988 East Avenue Middle School
• 2008 and 1997 Sunset Elementary School
• 2007 Livermore High School
• 2006 and 2002 Smith Elementary School
• 2004 Arroyo Seco Elementary School
• 2003 Mendenhall Middle School
• 2001 Christensen Middle School
• 2000 Arroyo Mocho
• 1998 Portola Elementary School
• 1998 Rancho Elementary School
• 1997 Almond Avenue Elementary School
• 1996 and 1988 Junction Avenue Middle School