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de
Portola Middle School in Tierrasanta has been re-designated a model
middle school by the California Department of Education's Schools to
Watch™−Taking Center Stage (STW™−TCS) program.
The
school's academic excellence, responsiveness to students needs were
lauded by Tom Torlakson, state Superintendent of Schools, in an
announcement from Sacramento. Across California, 11 schools were
returned to the "watch" list, while four schools were added to the honor
roll. There are more than 1,300 middle schools in California and 95 in
San Diego county. dePortola is being joined by Olive Peirce Middle
School in Ramona as the only honored schools in San Diego county.
"I
commend the students, their parents, teachers, and administrators, for
their efforts in helping make these 15 schools models of excellence,"
Torlakson said. "Their success is amazing, especially considering they
are swimming against the tide of massive budget cuts, crowded
classrooms, and school employee layoffs."
A
"school to watch" for several years, dePortola and all schools in the
program are recognized for theirsuccess in four areas: implementing best
practices focused onacademic achievement;responding to the
developmental needs ofyoung adolescents; offering a fair and equitable
education for allstudents; and instituting organizational processes and
proceduresthat foster and sustain academic growth.
"dePortola
is one of the outstanding schools in our district," said San Diego
Superintendent Bill Kowba. "Every day, students, teachers and staff are
ready to learn and grow. Principal Elizabeth Gillingham and her team
deserve the congratulations they are receiving."
The
Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage program identifies
high-performing school models that demonstrate academicexcellence,
developmental responsiveness to the needs and interests ofyoung
adolescents, social equity, and organizational support. Model schools
host visitors from California and around the world whoare looking for
replicable practices that will help them improve theirmiddle grades
schools and close the achievement gap.
For
more information about the Schools to Watch™−Taking Center Stagemodel
school program, visit the California Department of Education Website at California Schools to Watch--Taking Center Stage - Middle Grades.
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