Each year the National Title I Association recognizes and honors Title I school programs across the nation that display a wide array of strengths that make it a “Distinguished School.” This academic year, Alvarado Elementary School, a Cotsen alumni school since 05′, is one of two California schools named a National Title I Distinguished School for its successful educational programs closing the achievement gap and the progress of its students.
The National Title I Distinguished Schools program has been recognizing exemplary Title I schools since 1996. A Distinguished School is marked by team approaches to teaching and learning, focused professional development opportunities for staff, individualized programs for student success and strong partnerships between the school, parents and the community.
A small cohort of staff members, including Alvarado Principal Lucy Salazar, will be traveling to Philadelphia for the National Title I Conference on Feb. 8th. There will be two winning schools from each state for a total of 100 schools being honored at the conference.
“Congratulations to our students, staff and parents for this great honor,” said Salazar. “This award holds special meaning because it recognizes efforts to make sure all students succeed regardless of their challenges. We’re so proud and grateful to be considered a national model of excellence.”
In a press release from the California Department of Education, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson congratulated the two California schools that received the national recognition of achievement. “Congratulations to Principal Carol Fong and Principal Lucy Salazar, as well as all the teachers, administrators, staff, school board members, parents, classified employees, and students for these schools,” said Torlakson. “They are all examples of aiming high, achieving goals, and continuing to move forward and upward—the California Way.”
Title 1 is the nation’s oldest and largest federally funded program, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Schools with percentages of students from low-income families of at least 40 percent may use Title I funds, along with other Federal, State, and local funds, to operate a “school-wide program” to upgrade the instructional program for the whole school.