Western High School’s efforts to close the achievement gap are being highlighted and promoted as model practices by the California Department of Education.

 

The education department recently introduced Signature Practices, an online searchable database of effective strategies used by California Distinguished Schools to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap.

 

Distinguished schools must serve as a resource to other schools that want to emulate practices that have proven effective, said Mr. Jack O’Connell, state schools chief.

 

“Schools that are struggling to close the achievement gap need to know what really works to improve student achievement with different subgroups of students,” Mr. O’Connell said. “This system allows educators to share knowledge and provides models on how to apply successful strategies in the classroom.”

 

Each California Distinguished School was asked to submit two Signature Practices that have led to improved student achievement. Signature Practices were collected from the 136 middle schools and 125 high schools that were selected as 2009 California Distinguished Schools. The Distinguished Schools Program identifies and honors schools that have demonstrated educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap.

 

The strategies were posted in an easy-to-search format so schools statewide can find resources to fit their needs. Users may either access the entire database, select the type of information they need for any subgroup of students, or find the type of intervention they need for struggling students.

 

“This is a huge leap forward in helping schools help themselves,” Mr. O’Connell said. “Our Distinguished School awardees will now serve as mentors to help other schools reap the rewards of their success.”

 

Western’s signature practices are its school-wide, standards-based instruction and its English Language Development Program. The signature practices were verified as part of the California Distinguished School committee selection process. Principal Dr. Paul Sevillano said the hard work and dedication of the entire school community is the reason the campus is so successful in its efforts.

 

To access Signature Practices, please visit http://www.closingtheachievementgap.org/sigpractices. For the Closing the Achievement Gap Web site, visit http://www.closingtheachievementgap.org/.