Ten Green Dot Schools Win Student Growth Awards from CORE Districts

Last week, several schools in the Green Dot Public Schools California network were announced as recipients of the CORE Districts’ Academic Growth Awards. These awards honor schools having the greatest impact on student achievement.

Most notably, Ánimo Western Charter Middle School was recognized for three years of high impact growth in English Language Arts. According to CORE, schools with high impact growth accelerate student outcomes faster than similar students at similar schools. Ánimo Western has met that standard three years in a row, based on common core-aligned statewide assessments that began in 2015.

The CORE Districts are a unique initiative among leading public school districts across California. Their comprehensive school improvement and accountability system is nationally recognized and provides a clear view of student-level academic growth.

“We recognize high academic growth with the awards and impact badges because growth reflects consistent work among educators to provide extraordinary classroom instruction for the students they serve,” said Noah Bookman, Executive Director of CORE Data Collaborative, in his email announcing the awards.

Ánimo College Preparatory Academy, Ánimo Jackie Robinson Charter High School, Ánimo Mae Jemison Charter Middle School, and Ánimo Westside Charter Middle School all earned recognition in both English Language Arts and math for one year of high impact. Each of these schools were able to accelerate student learning in both English Language Arts and Math–the leading subject area assessments for academic performance.

Furthermore, Ánimo South Los Angeles Charter High School, Ánimo Pat Brown Charter High School, Oscar De La Hoya Ánimo Charter High School, Ánimo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle Schools, and Ánimo Jefferson Charter Middle School all achieved one year of high impact growth in English Language Arts.

“At Green Dot, we couldn’t be prouder of the students and educators whose results are recognized here,” beamed Dr. Cristina de Jesus, CEO of Green Dot Public Schools California. “Academic growth like this truly puts students on the path to college and helps close achievement gaps among different groups of students–affirming our mission to prepare all students for college, leadership, and life. Today, there are more Green Dot grads than any other charter network in the nation, and more than 85% of our students were accepted to college last year.”