2 Coachella Valley Schools Win Title I Award

Nine schools in Riverside County were selected for 2011-12 Title I Academic Achievement Awards, the California Department of Education announced today.

Title 1 is a federal assistance program for schools with students living at or below the poverty line. About two-thirds of schools in California receive Title 1 funds.

The achievement awards are for schools at which all students are making significant progress toward proficiency in state academic standards. Socio- economically disadvantaged students must have doubled the achievement targets set for them for two consecutive years.

The Riverside County schools receiving the honor were Brookside, Sundance, Vicentia, Wildomar, Katherine Finchy, Avalon, May Ranch and Sierra Vista elementary schools and Idyllwild School.

“The progress being made at these schools, which serve our neediest students, should serve as a beacon of hope for California,” said Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction. “At a time of fiscal crisis and economic uncertainty, they continue to improve, building a brighter future for their students.”

The leaders of the schools, and others that were previously named California Distinguished Schools and National Blue Ribbon Schools, will be honored next month in Sacramento.