Seven Desert Sands Unified elementary schools awarded state honors

Seven schools in the Desert Sands Unified School District have been honored under California’s Gold Ribbon Schools Awards Program.

It is temporarily taking the place of the California Distinguished Schools Program.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced the state honors Wednesday.

Local schools making the list included Carter Elementary in Palm Desert. Earhart Elementary in Indio. Ford Elementary in Indian Wells, Franklin Elementary in La Quinta, Reagan Elementary in Palm Desert, Van Buren Elementary in Indio and Washington Charter School in Palm Desert

Torlakson said, “These schools shine as bright beacons for others, putting forth an exemplary effort to ensure that every student is ready for 21st century college and careers.”

Schools applied for the award based on a model program for schools which includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies.

The award recognized middle and high schools last year.

A statement from the Superintendent’s office said Gold Ribbon awards recognize California schools that have made gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education.

They include the California Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, California English Language Development Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards.

Nearly 6,000 elementary schools were eligible to apply for the award.

758 elementary schools were named under the Gold Ribbon Schools Awards Program.