MONROVIA, CA – Monrovia High, Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet, and Plymouth Elementary have been named to the 2017-18 California Honor Roll in recognition of their performance in math and English language arts (ELA).

The honor is awarded by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and sponsored by the Campaign for Businesses and Educational Excellence (CBEE), based on the results of state standardized tests in math and ELA taken in spring 2017. All three schools were named Star Schools, a category for schools with a higher percentage of socio-economically disadvantaged students.

“Congratulations to Monrovia High, Santa Fe and Clifton for being recognized across the state for improving our students’ math and reading scores,” Monrovia Unified Board President Terrence Williams said. “Our schools implemented and strengthened programs tailored to the needs of our students so that they can continue to improve year after year.”

Monrovia High uses state funding to provide extended professional development and collaboration time for its English and math departments. The teams review student assessment data and strategize ways to personalize instruction. Monrovia offers incoming freshmen enrollment in two, four-year intensive academic programs – the Math and Science Academy and Humanities Academy.

“Monrovia’s attention to curricular standards was also an area of focus in the professional development and this has played an important role in our gains in reading and math scores,” Monrovia High Principal Kirk McGinnis said.

Santa Fe is a computer science magnet school that encourages independent reading development, augmented by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s California Collections curriculum, which draws students into modern and classic literature, spurring classroom discussion. The computer science program Code to the Future also boosts student engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects.

“Santa Fe employs a ‘System of Belief’ in children that enhances learning and supports all students,” Santa Fe Principal Geoffrey Zamarripa said. “We prioritized English language learners to maximize their potential.”

Plymouth focused on strong leadership and collaboration amongst its administrators and teachers to target student needs throughout the school year. The school’s Instructional Leadership Team, which included the principal, teachers from each grade level, and intervention specialists, monitored student learning and achievement and adjusted lesson and curriculum plans to individualized needs in the classroom. Teachers also participated in Professional Learning Communities to analyze student achievement data and worked together to plan additional student support for continued academic improvement.

“Our Plymouth team identified four themes that have contributed to our success – collaboration, instructional strategies, data charts, and community,” Plymouth Principal Greg Gero said. “An important factor to learning is to establish an atmosphere of trust between teacher and student.”

Composed of local and state business and education leaders, the ERP/CBEE coalition seeks recognition for schools and districts dedicated to narrowing the achievement gap and preparing their students for a 21st-century economy. The Honor Roll is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and highlight practices that improve outcomes for schools.

“Our California Honor Roll schools are examples of the commitment of all of our administrators in furthering the success of our students,” Monrovia Unified Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “All of our students are working hard to achieve their goals. These recognitions showcase their dedication to continually improve each year.”

PHOTO CAPTION

061118_MONROVIA_CAHONORROLL1: Monrovia High was of three Monrovia Unified schools to be named to the 2017-18 CA Honor Roll. Monrovia High extends professional development and collaboration time for its English and math departments to boost student success.

061118_MONROVIA_CAHONORROLL1: Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet was of three Monrovia Unified schools to be named to the 2017-18 CA Honor Roll. Santa Fe increases student engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and encourages independent reading development.

061118_MONROVIA_CAHONORROLL1: Plymouth Elementary School was of three Monrovia Unified schools to be named to the 2017-18 CA Honor Roll. Plymouth focused on strong leadership and collaboration amongst its administrators and teachers to target student needs throughout the school year.