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18 LAUSD schools honored with California Gold Ribbon Award

Craig Clough | May 6, 2015



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CA Department of Education logoEighteen middle schools and high schools in LA Unified are among several hundred in the state being honored with the new Gold Ribbon Schools Awards Program for making gains in implementing the academic and performance standards set by the State Board of Education.

The award, which is temporarily replacing the California Distinguished Schools Program as the state transitions to new accountability standards, has been given to a mix of traditional schools and charter schools in the district.

LA Unified Superintendent Ramon Cortines congratulated the schools, saying, in a statement, “I’m proud of the students, parents, guardians, teachers, and administrators at each of the schools who made this honor possible.”

A total of 193 middle schools and 180 high schools have been named winners across the state. Schools applied for the award based on a successful implantation of educational programs, including the California Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, California English Language Development Standards and  theNext Generation Science Standards.

“These schools are academically successful, vibrant, and innovative centers of learning and teaching,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said in a press release announcing the winners. “They provide great examples of the things educators are doing right—embracing rigorous academic standards, providing excellence and creativity in teaching, and creating a positive school climate.”

Several school board members applauded the winners.

“I am pleased that Dodson Middle School, Port of Los Angeles High School, Harbor Teacher Prep, and Animo Pat Brown are being recognized as 2015 California Gold Ribbon schools,” board President Richard Vladovic said in a statement. “I could not be prouder of these schools achievements, the work being done by student and faculty alike, and look forward to many more years of their fine work in educating our students and setting them on a path to future success.”

Tamar Galatzan, who represents District 3 in the San Fernando Valley, also praised schools in her district that were honored, including the Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences and Cleveland Charter High.

“VAAS and Cleveland High have unique and innovative programs that keep students engaged and inspire them to love learning,” she said. “It’s very appropriate that the Gold Ribbon Awards were announced on National Teacher Day. It’s through the dedication and hard work of our educators that our schools and students are successful.”

Here is the list of the LAUSD winners:

  • Alliance College-Ready Academy High 16
  • Animo Pat Brown Charter High
  • Arleta High
  • ArTES: Arts, Theatre, Entertainment
  • Crown Preparatory Academy
  • El Sereno Middle
  • Equitas Academy Charter #2
  • Global Studies & Technology Academy
  • Grover Cleveland Charter High
  • Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy
  • Math and Science College Preparatory
  • Palisades Charter High
  • Port of Los Angeles High
  • Renaissance Arts Academy
  • Rise Kohyang Middle
  • Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson Middle
  • Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • Walnut Park Middle School-STEM Academy

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