From Christine Collins’ perspective, Disneyland’s claim as “The Happiest Place on Earth” has nothing to do with rides, games or all the cotton candy one can possibly stomach.
When she makes visits to Walt Disney’s playground, Collins knows it’s because the students and staff at La Ballona Elementary School have again caught the eye of the state education bosses in Sacramento.
So while the fourth-year principal and her staff were busy making preparations earlier this week for a trip to the Disneyland Hotel to recognize La Ballona’s repeat selection as a state Title I school, they received an invite to return in June in celebration of another honor.
State Superintendent of
Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced Monday, April 20 that La Ballona is one of 484 public elementary schools selected as a 2010 California Distinguished School. It’s the first time in more than a decade that La Ballona has received the prestigious honor.
“This is something that’s been a long time in coming,” Collins said. “This school has a very diligent staff that’s very committed to the well-being of all students.
“We’ve been steadily climbing, and our student achievement has been steadily improving. We’re thrilled to finally be recognized by the state for the hard work that’s been going on for a number of years.”
In order to become eligible for the award, the state required schools to describe two “signature practices” that have led to an increase in student achievement and a narrowing of the achievement gap between higher-performing students and lower-
performing students.
According to Collins, La Ballona offered for review its literacy instruction based on the lesson study model, and its conceptual math instruction using the Mind Institute’s “Math + Music” educational program.
On March 9, two evaluators through the Los Angeles County Department of Education — at the behest of the state — conducted a site visit at La Ballona. If the award is any indication, they liked what they saw taking place at the school, which includes a large percentage of English-
language learners and is classified as a “high-poverty” school.
“The PTA and La Ballona Education Partners have helped us immensely,” said Collins, spreading the accolades. “They’re thrilled about our school getting these awards as well.”
So is management at the Culver City Unified School District.
“This is a prestigious honor that recognizes the hard work and dedication of Principal Christine Collins, her staff and all the students and parents at La Ballona,” said CCUSD Superintendent Dr. Myrna Rivera Coté in a press release. “This is the highest honor the state can bestow upon our schools, and it is another indication that, despite budget cutbacks, our district is continuing to excel while doing more with the less.”
The award ceremony and dinner will take place June 4 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
With the two statewide awards in tow, next up is La Ballona’s ongoing quest to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. According to Collins, those results will not be unveiled until September at the earliest.
