Congratulations are in order for all students, staff, and parents of North Tahoe High School as we have just been named one of California's Distinguished Schools!! The California School Recognition Program honors some of the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected for Distinguished School Awards are strong, well-rounded community schools that offer a quality education for all students.
Becoming a California Distinguished School is a multi-step process. First, a school becomes eligible to apply by meeting or exceeding the Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) goal set by the federal government and the Academic Performance Index (API) set by the state. In addition, to be eligible, schools must show that they are closing the achievement gap. Out of more than 1200 high schools in the state, only 103 comprehensive high schools met these eligibility requirements! That means that only 8% of comprehensive high schools in the state were even eligible to apply for Distinguished School status.
After being notified of our eligibility, we completed an application in December describing the program we offer our students. In the application, we highlighted two signature practices:
· The Continuous School Improvement Process includes the efforts of our leadership team, the action plan supported by action teams, professional learning community (PLC) work, data analysis, use of research based instructional strategies, and staff development
· The Broad and Comprehensive System of Interventions and Support Services includes the Advisory program, mandatory and voluntary tutoring, expanded course offerings such as AVID, English and math support, and AP classes, and support services for all students
Once our application was approved, a committee appointed by the State Department of Education visited our site to validate our educational program. The visiting committee was very impressed with what they saw during their time at North Tahoe, and left us feeling confident that we would indeed be granted Distinguished School status. On April 1, Mr. Frey received a phone call from State Superintendent of Schools, Jack O'Connell, confirming it. Thanks to all who have worked so hard for this honor!
