SACRAMENTO

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today congratulated two California schools for receiving national recognition for achievement in 2018. A.J. Cook Elementary School in Garden Grove and Adams Elementary School in Santa Barbara are two of up to 100 schools throughout the country being recognized as National Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished Schools—formerly known as National Title I Distinguished Schools.

“Congratulations to Principal Sandi Ishii and Principal Kelly Fresch, as well as the entire team of educators, administrators, staff, parents, employees, and of course, students at these schools,” said Torlakson. “They are shining examples of positive changes underway in California’s education system, and what happens when everyone works together to achieve student success.”

A project of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, the ESEA Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. It highlights schools across the country achieving exceptional student performance, as well as those closing the achievement gap between student groups.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides funding to school districts across the country to aid in the education of economically disadvantaged students. The association is a membership organization made up of State ESEA Program Administrators and staff from each of the states and territories, who are charged with managing their states’ compliance with federal regulations. They ensure that all children—especially those living in economically disadvantaged conditions—have the opportunity to receive a high quality education. More information about the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program is available on the ESEA Network website.