Schools

Five LEUSD Elementary Schools Honored By State

Cottonwood Canyon Elementary, Elsinore Elementary, Rice Canyon Elementary, Tuscany Hills Elementary, and Wildomar Elementary were named 2012 California Distinguished Schools.

Five elementary schools were honored by state officials Thursday for their innovative education programs that encourage students to learn and help close the achievement gap.

, , , , and were named 2012 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education.

The LEUSD sites were among 387 elementary schools to achieve the honor.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The 2012 California Distinguished Schools Program focuses on California’s students “and their entitlement to an equitable and rigorous education,” according to a CDE news release today. The program identifies and honors those schools that have demonstrated educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap.

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 and the Academic Performance Index requirements.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Once schools are deemed eligible, the CDE invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. 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, according to the news release. 

Elementary and secondary schools (middle and high schools) are recognized in alternate years. This year focused on elementary schools.

“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,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. “Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence.”

Schools selected for recognition will be honored as Distinguished Schools at award ceremonies where Torlakson will present each school with a 2012 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The event and awards are funded by donations from California corporations and statewide educational organizations, the news release stated.


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