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

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today congratulated two California schools for receiving recognition as 2021 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools—formerly known as National Title I Distinguished Schools. Hall Middle School in the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District and West Valley High School in the Anderson Union High School District are two of up to 100 schools throughout the country being recognized.

“Congratulations to principals Toni Brown and Joshua Mason, 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 2021 California Distinguished Schools, they’re also being recognized for their excellent work closing opportunity gaps among student groups and ensuring academic growth for all students.”

Hall Middle School was selected because it performed exceptionally well in Category 1 of the qualifying categories (exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years), while West Valley High 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 the National ESEA Distinguished Schools’ stories especially powerful are the documented student achievement gains that have resulted from the 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 .

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