State Distinguished School Finalists Named

Fontana Unified School District has received the revised 2005 accountability reports from the California Department of Education.  Based on updates to student information, the API scores for all schools in Fontana increased an average of 22 points.  In addition, thirteen more schools met the 2005 AYP requirements for No Child Left Behind, despite the fact that these requirements increased substantially for a total of nineteen schools.  In 2005, the criterion for English/LA increased from 12% to 23%, with a similar increase from 12.3% to 23.7% in mathematics.  Besides validating the district’s emphasis on increasing student achievement in general, the new reports also reflect on the efforts we’ve observed during classrooms throughout the district.

An examination of the data indicates significant growth throughout the district, including all student subgroups.   This growth is most pronounced in Language Arts, which is consistent with the emphasis placed on this instructional area during the year assessed.  Significant improvements are likewise evident in mathematics, an area of strength for FUSD for the past six years.  These revisions also provide a clearer picture of our students’ achievement at every level.  According to Dr. Charles Milligan, “We can attribute this success to the dedication of our teachers, parents, and staff, and to the outstanding students we serve."

Five schools in the Fontana Unified School District are finalists for the prestigious California Distinguished School Award.  Canyon Crest Elementary, Mango Elementary, Hemlock Elementary, Shadow Hills Elementary and Sierra Lakes Elementary each advance to the statewide nominee level, according to the California Department of Education.

Teams of educators will now visit the schools to validate the information presented in their application, the final step before determining whether the finalists will receive the top award.

Of the five Fontana elementary schools eligible to apply for the award this year, five were nominated as statewide finalists, the only district in San Bernardino County with all eligible schools being nominated.  Approximately ninety-one schools countywide were eligible to apply.  The Superintendent of Fontana Unified School District, Dr. Charles Milligan stated, “With nineteen schools making Adequate Yearly Progress we have quantitative data demonstrating achievement, now with five schools becoming finalists in the Distinguished Schools Program we have the qualitative data that will be validated by the state visit.  Good to see hard work paying off.”

To earn the award, schools compete in rigorous selection and screening conducted by the California Department of Education.  The criteria for school selection are designed to reflect the consensus of the education community regarding what constitutes a quality education program, incorporating state and national policies and research related to effective schools.

Winning schools must demonstrate high academic expectations for all students, achievement levels at and above state standards, strong leadership, competent and caring teachers focused on standards, and outstanding curriculum.

The California Distinguished School Awards Ceremony will be held in May at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

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