POLAHS Among 2024 Distinguished Schools Honorees Recognized by California Superintendent Tony Thurmond

“The CA Distinguished School Award means a great deal to our school as we approach our 20th anniversary. The recognition validates our team’s collective hard work and commitment to success for all students. In both Math and English, our dedication has resulted in significant increases on state test scores. We’ve maintained exceptional graduation rates and college acceptance, while increasing access to programs for previously underperforming students. We’re very proud of this accomplishment for POLAHS,” — Principal Tim Dikdan.

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond last week announced that 293 middle schools and high schools have been selected for the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s school recognition program that recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance.

Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers and classified employees for their innovation, talent and success in supporting students.

The exceptional middle and high schools recognized this year are illustrative of the persistence and promise of California’s students, educators, and schools. To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education or CDE uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard or dashboard.

Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.

Schools are recognized for exceptional student performance based on achieving exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, reducing suspensions, and demonstrating high graduation rates (high schools only).

Schools recognized for closing the achievement gap enroll at least 40% of their students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and, in addition to demonstrating exemplary overall performance in ELA and math, achieve accelerated academic growth for one or more historically underserved student groups.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/2024-Distinguished-Schools