2 Alameda Schools Receive 2018 Distinguished School Designation

ALAMEDA, CA —The California Department of Education (CDE) has selected both Earhart Elementary School and Bay Farm School as 2018 "Distinguished Schools.”

The award recognizes schools that have made exceptional gains in meeting the state’s academic and performance standards as described on the new California School Dashboard.

Those standards include test scores in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, as well as suspension rates and English Learner progress. (Information on the performance of all AUSD schools on these indicators is available on the AUSD Dashboard page.)

This year, only 287 schools from across the state received the award.

“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,” State Secretary of Education Tom Torlakson said. “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.”

Between 2015 and 2017, the Distinguished Schools program was replaced by the Gold Ribbon Schools program as the state transitioned to its new assessment and accountability system.

Model Practices

As part of the Distinguished School process, applicant schools need to describe a “Model Program/Practice” that they believe has contributed to their success.

• Bay Farm School described its implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS), which is part of a district initiative to improve school climates by establishing shared expectations and rewards for good and safe behavior. Bay Farm also cited its Coordination of Services Team (COST), through which school

staff collaborate to support students who may be struggling, especially those who are new or who receive special education services.

• Earhart Elementary School described its Music with Science, Technology, Engineering,and Math (STEM) innovative program. The program includes instruction and professional development provided by a dedicated science teacher and weekly hands-on learning in the school’s two science laboratories, as well as music instruction.

“Bay Farm and Earhart students, staff, and families should be proud of this well-earned and well-deserved distinction,” Superintendent Sean McPhetridge said. “We all should be grateful and proud of the efforts evidenced in the Distinguished Schools application process this year, and we look forward to ongoing efforts at these schools to continue in excellent service to their students.”

— Announcement from Alameda Unified School District/Image via Shutterstock