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Initiated in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Program honors elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. The schools selected as 1997 Distinguished Schools were honored for serving as outstanding examples of successful teaching and learning, high standards for all students, strong family and community involvement, partnerships with the business community, safe and clean school environments, and modern technology. This Distinguished School honor is extended to select schools in the state of California. In order to receive this award, the school staff must complete an extensive application indicating how the school meets specified criteria. Through a thorough review of these applications, the top schools are selected for a site visit by a review team. Approximately 225 schools from all elementary schools in the state of California are award this honor ever other year. Once selected as a California Distinguished School, the school cannot apply again for four years.
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1997, 2002, 2006|
Since the Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established by the Secretary of Education in 1982, it has developed into a national school improvement strategy with three purposes. First, it identifies and recognizes outstanding public and private schools across the nation. Second, the program makes research-based effectiveness criteria available to all schools so they can assess themselves and plan improvements. Third, the program encourages schools, both within and among themselves, to share information about best practices based on a common understanding of criteria related to educational success. Blue Ribbon Schools are models of both excellence and equity. To be recognized, a school must demonstrate a strong commitment to educational excellence for all students. The program welcomes applications from schools that have demonstrated sustained success in achieving these values, as well as schools that have overcome obstacles and can provide evidence of significant improvements.
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1999