Two Livermore Schools Are Named As California Distinguished Schools

Two Livermore elementary schools were named today as California Distinguished Schools.

Altamont Creek Elementary and Arroyo Seco Elementary were among the 387 announced by state Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson.

The schools selected are recognized for their success in closing achievement gaps between their lower performing and higher performing students.

“The schools we are recognizing today demonstrate the incredible commitment of California’s teachers, administrators and school employees to provide a world-class education to every student, in spite of the financial hardships facing our state and our schools,” Torlakson said. “Their dedication is inspiring and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence.”

Arroyo Seco Principal Stephan Bering said the honor is a source of pride for his school.

"It's a recognition of the hard work of the students, parents and teachers," he said. "It's a validation of what we're doing. We're all aglow here."

Bering said all student groups at Arroyo Seco raised their scores in the latest API tests. However, the scores of Hispanic students, second language learners, socio-economically disadvanted pupils and students with disabilities increased at a larger rate than the top performing students. That closed the achievement gap.

The top students at Arroyo Seco scored an average of 903 on the latest API test. The lower performing students are now in the high 700s, close to the goal of 800.

Bering said the school employs "data driven instruction" where test scores are analyzed and students who didn't do well are given refresher instruction.

"It targets kids and re-teachs them what they didn't learn," Bering said.

One example is fifth grade math. Pupils are tested every week. Those that score well are given enrichment instruction on the same topic. Those that score lower are put into groups where they go over the material again.

Arroyo Seco was built in 1971. It has 29 classrooms that house more than 700 students. The kindergarten through third grades have a 24:1 teacher-pupil ratio. The fourth and fifth grades have a 30:1 ratio.

Arroyo Seco has received the distinguished school honor in the past. It's the first time for Altamont Creek Elementary.

Principal Beverly Tom said the recognition has come mainly from the strides the school has made in closing the achievement gap between top performers and second language students and Hispanic pupils.

The average API score at the school is 858. The second language students have raised their score to 774 while Hispanic students have risen to 798.

Tom said Altamont Creek has also improved in the percentage of language arts students who are proficient in English.

Altamont Creek has a one-hour program three times a week before and after school for students who need extra help.

They also have an after-school homework club where parents and students work with instructors.

"These parents all want to be included in their child's education," Tom said.

The principal added the school is excited about receiving the distinguished designation.

"We feel it's a well-deserved award that recognizes the hard work by parents, students and teachers," she said.

The Altamont Creek campus is about 10 years old. That school has more than 600 students in 28 classrooms.

Distinguished elementary schools are chosen in even-numbered years. Middle school and high schools are recognized in odd-numbered years.