By Kathy Chouteau
Middle College High School in the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) has been honored by the California Department of Education as a 2021 California Distinguished School. Per an announcement by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, honorees were selected based on performance and progress on state indicators—including test scores, suspension rates and conditions and climate—outlined on the California School Dashboard, the state’s accountability and continuous improvement system.
The high school, which is located on the campus of Contra Costa College in San Pablo, joins more than 221 middle and high schools in being recognized under the 2021 California Distinguished Schools Program.
“These schools are great examples of California’s commitment to provide outstanding public education for all students, and their data-driven efforts have helped ensure that their students leave with the tools and skills they need to be successful after graduation,” said Thurmond. “Our thanks go to the entire communities surrounding these schools, including the teachers, administrators and classified employees as well as the students and their families who, through teamwork, all accomplished this impressive achievement together.”
The Distinguished Schools Program, which is sponsored by the California Department of Education and presented by California Casualty, recognizes schools for their outstanding work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Awardees hold the title for two years. According to Middle College High School Principal Finy Prak, the school was also honored for the award in 2019 for achieving exceptional student performance.
Distinguished Schools stand as examples of not just excellent teaching, learning and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts spanning from professional development to positive behavior intervention, according to the California Department of Education.
Learn more about Middle College High School here.
