Congratulations to the 30 East Bay elementary campuses that were named 2012 California Distinguished Schools!

Tom Torlakson, state Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced Thursday that 387 schools throughout California earned that honor for innovative education programs that encourage students to learn and help close the achievement gap.

“The schools we are recognizing today demonstrate the incredible commitment of California’s teachers, administrators, and school employees to provide a world-class education to every student, in spite of the financial hardships facing our state and our schools,” Torlakson said in a news release. “Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence.”

Here are the East Bay schools that made the list, by county and district:

ALAMEDA COUNTY

Alameda City Unified: Amelia Earhart Elementary, Donald D. Lum Elementary

Berkeley Unified: Malcolm X Elementary

Castro Valley Unified: Chabot Elementary, Independent Elementary, Jensen Ranch Elementary, Palomares Elementary, Vannoy Elementary

Dublin Unified: James Dougherty Elementary, John Green Elementary

Fremont Unified: Forest Park Elementary, Glenmoor Elementary, Hirsch Elementary, J. Haley Durham Elementary, Oliveira Elementary, Parkmont Elementary, Warm Springs Elementary

Livermore Valley Joint Unified: Altamont Creek Elementary, Arroyo Seco Elementary

Oakland Unified: Acorn Woodland Elementary, Henry J. Kaiser Jr. Elementary

Pleasanton Unified: Fairlands Elementary

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Byron Union Elementary: Discovery Bay Elementary, Timber Point Elementary

Martinez Unified: John Swett Elementary, Morello Park Elementary

Mt. Diablo Unified: Highlands Elementary

Pittsburg Unified: Los Medanos Elementary

West Contra Costa Unified: Hanna Ranch Elementary, Olinda Elementary

The complete list is on the California Department of Education’s website at www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs.

Here is more information about the annual recognition program, from the news release:

“The 2012 California Distinguished Schools Program focuses on California’s students and their entitlement to an equitable and rigorous education. The program identifies and honors those schools that have demonstrated educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap.

To be invited to apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria including designated federal and state accountability measures based on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Academic Performance Index requirements.

Once schools are deemed eligible, the CDE (California Department of Education) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. The application process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school’s signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process, which validates the implementation of those signature practices.

Elementary and secondary schools (middle and high schools) are recognized in alternate years. This year focuses on elementary schools.

Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their signature practices with other schools and serve as mentors to other educators who want to replicate their work. An updated searchable database of these Signature Practices will be available later this spring by the California Department of Education.

Schools selected for recognition will be honored as Distinguished Schools at award ceremonies where Torlakson will present each school with a 2012 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The event and awards are funded by donations from many of California’s most prominent corporations and statewide educational organizations.

To see signature practices shared by the 2009 California Distinguished Elementary Schools, visit www.closingtheachievementgap.org/cs/ctag/print/htdocs/success_sig_search.htm.

What are your school’s signature practices?