The California Department of Education (CDE) has selected three Alameda Unified schools -- Earhart Elementary, Otis Elementary, and Bay Farm -- as 2023  "Distinguished Schools.”

The CDE uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on indicators in the California School Dashboard, including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data. Schools can qualify in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance.

 “I’d like to congratulate the students, staff, and families at all three schools for this distinction,” AUSD Superintendent Pasquale Scuderi said. “Given the many challenges posed in the last three years, these designations are both impressive and exemplary.”

Just 350 elementary schools from across the state received the award this year.

“[These schools’] innovation and hard work have helped to ensure their students can heal, recover, and thrive—even in the toughest times,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in a January 6 press release. “California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families.”