State Superintendent Thurmond Announces California Schools Recognized as National ESEA Distinguished Schools

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today congratulated two California schools for receiving national recognition as 2020 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools—formerly known as National Title I Distinguished Schools. Sixth Street Prep School in the Victor Elementary School District and Solano Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles Unified School District are two of up to 100 schools throughout the country being recognized.

“Congratulations to principals Collin Rowe and Jorge Parra, as well as all of the educators, staff, administrators, parents, and students at these schools,” said Thurmond. “Not only were these two schools already named 2020 California Distinguished Schools, they’re also being recognized for their excellent work closing achievement gaps between student groups and ensuring academic growth for students who need extra assistance.”

Sixth Street Prep School was selected because it performed exceptionally in Category 1 of the qualifying categories (exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years), while Solano Avenue Elementary School performed well in Category 2 (closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years).

A project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association), the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. It highlights schools across the country making significant improvements for their students. What makes National ESEA Distinguished Schools’ stories especially powerful are the documented student achievement gains that have resulted from their collaborative and targeted efforts and innovations.

The ESEA provides additional resources for vulnerable students and federal grants to state educational agencies to improve the quality of public elementary and secondary education. The association is a membership organization made up of state ESEA program administrators and staff from each of the states and territories who are charged with managing their states’ compliance with federal regulations. They ensure that all children—especially those living in economically disadvantaged conditions—have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. More information about the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is available on the ESEA Network website .

# # # #

Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100