The California School Recognition Program was created in 1985 to publicize and reinforce the priorities of the State Board of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The program identifies and honors many of the state's exemplary and inspiring public schools with the California Distinguished School Award. Although participation is voluntary, the award is highly sought after by schools in all regions of the state. Approximately five percent of California's public schools are selected each year, and no fewer than 40 counties are typically represented. The duration of the distinguished school honor is four years.
In order 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 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and the Academic Performance Index (API) requirements.
Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years. This year elementary schools will participate in a rigorously competitive selection process conducted by the California Department of Education (CDE) in a collaborative partnership with the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA). The criteria for school selection are designed to reflect the consensus of the education community regarding what constitutes a quality education program by incorporating the major themes of state and national policies and research related to effective schools. The criteria focus on all aspects of the school's educational program.
Applications are evaluated by teams of local educators from across the state under the direction of the CDE. Evaluators use a four-level rubric that describes progress toward achieving each of the selection criteria. The highest-scoring schools are selected as statewide nominees. Each statewide nominee receives a site visit to validate the accuracy of the information presented in their application. The site visits are conducted as a collaborative effort between the CDE and the county offices of education.
Schools selected for recognition are honored as Distinguished Schools at a statewide awards ceremony where the State Superintendent will present each school with a 2008 California Distinguished School plaque and flag. The event and awards are funded by donations from many of California's most prominent corporations and statewide educational organizations.
