Two Dublin Schools Awarded 2012 California Distinguished Schools Status

The California Department of Education announced the recipients of the 2012 California Distinguished Schools today.

Among the winners were Dublin’s John Green Elementary and James Dougherty Elementary.

Dublin Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hanke says “these are distinguished schools.”

“We are so excited,” he said. “I can’t say enough about the skills of the teachers, support staff and the parents. These make up teams that collaborate to improve the institution for the schooling of kids and the results are astounding.”

According to Hanke, Dublin schools focus on working as a professional learning community.

“Dublin schools are doing great things for kids,” he commented.

Hanke says there are three important components that comprise a “professional learning community.”

“The first is to focus on student learning, not just teaching,” he said. “The second is to work diligently as a team- not in isolation and using the energy from a team focus on learning. Lastly, focus on results and use a cycle of inquiries so you can always work to get better.”

According to the press release, schools must be “invited to apply for Distinguished School honor.” The press release states that “the application process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school's signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process, which validates the implementation of those signature practices.”  

Each school awarded receives a plaque and a flag.

For see a full list of the schools awarded click here.