State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson recently named 24 Contra Costa County elementary schools as California Distinguished Schools for 2014, "for their strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement." The following Lamorinda elementary schools were included in the list: Del Rey, Glorietta, Lafayette, Sleepy Hollow, and Wagner Ranch. "I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success," Torlakson adds. "This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support."
The program recognizes elementary and secondary schools in alternating years. Distinguished Schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including designated federal and state accountability measures, and they must provide an in-depth description of two Signature Practices that their staff members believe have contributed to the success of their students. Following the acceptance of their application, each school receives a site visit by a team of local educators to validate the full implementation of the Signature Practices described in the application.
In Contra Costa County, those school visits were conducted in March and early April by a team of 19 educators from the Contra Costa County Office of Education, augmented by 18 school district administrators, and four retired district administrators. The County Distinguished Schools program is coordinated by Peggy Marshburn, chief communications officer, Contra Costa County Office of Education.
Distinguished Schools are honored at regional award ceremonies, where the state superintendent of California Public Instruction presents each school with a 2014 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The events and awards are funded by donations from many California corporations and statewide-educational organizations.
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