Three Pasadena Unified Schools Named 2014 California Distinguished Schools

Three Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools have been named 2014 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. Roosevelt Elementary, San Rafael Elementary and Webster Elementary were selected to receive the prestigious award, which honors schools that have demonstrated educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap. This marks the first time that three PUSD schools have won the award in a single year.

“Earning state recognition for three schools in a single year is a major achievement for all of us in the Pasadena Unified community,” said Superintendent Jon R. Gundry. “Roosevelt, San Rafael and Webster were recognized for their consistent approach to teaching all students and for better engaging families and the community as partners for student achievement. The Roosevelt, San Rafael and Webster students, teachers, families and staff are to be congratulated on earning this award.

Roosevelt, San Rafael and Webster join Blair High School, Hamilton Elementary, Field Elementary and Longfellow Elementary as recent winners of the California Distinguished School Award. Hamilton Elementary School went on to win the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2009.

The California Distinguished School Award program identifies and honors the state’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Although participation is voluntary, the award is highly sought after by schools in all areas of the state. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years.

Webster Elementary School was recognized for its academic and parental involvement programs. The school instituted a school-wide progress monitoring system that links academics with early and systematic intervention tailored to the needs of the individual student. Webster’s population of English learners and students with disabilities grew significantly after attendance boundaries changed with the closure of a nearby campus. Webster Elementary teachers and staff participated in multicultural and customer service training and embraced an approach of consistent and positive communication with parents and families in multiple languages and methods. The result was broader parent and community involvement on school committees and a two-fold increase in PTA membership and fundraising.

San Rafael Elementary School was recognized for its Spanish immersion programs and its implementation of the response to intervention program that systematically addresses the needs of the individual student. San Rafael pioneered PUSD’s Spanish Dual Language Immersion program as a result of school and district partnership with parents and community members. When the school’s low enrollment threatened closure, advocacy by teachers, parents and staff for the Dual Language Immersion Program increased enrollment dramatically. Staff planning days allowed for collaboration to identify the level of support needed by individual students.

Roosevelt Elementary was praised for its accountability, school improvement and technology practices that prepare students to be successful in the 21st century. With a significant population of English learners and students with disabilities, Roosevelt used data, 21st century learning skills, a response to intervention program and the addition of educational technology to support student achievement.

Applicants underwent a stringent selection process, which included a description of two signature practices that have led to an increase in student achievement and a narrowing of the achievement gap. Applicants were then selected to receive a thorough site visit to validate the practices. Schools earning the Distinguished School title this year agree to share their signature practices with other schools and serve as mentors to other educators who want to replicate their work. An updated searchable database of these signature practices will be available later this spring by the California Department of Education.

The California Department of Education News Release on the 2014 California Distinguished Schools can be found at http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr14/yr14rel45.asp