Annually, California evaluates schools that meet their API and AYP targets, selecting a small set to serve as examples of excellence for other schools. Eligible schools complete a substantial application which is carefully reviewed by teams of local educators. Each school is visited by an outside review team to validate what is written in the application. The Visitors' Guide represents a subset of the California Distinguished Schools that responded to a follow-up survey and that are willing to host guest visitors to their school. The guide presents successful strategies from the viewpoint of the designated schools and is intended to assist a broad spectrum of schools seeking continuous improvement.
Only Middle and High Schools participated in 2005. Distinguished Elementary Schools will be added following the application process and award ceremony in 2006.
