Burbank Elementary School gets Gold Ribbon award for kids’ progress

Luther Burbank Elementary School has been honored by the state for implementing a program aimed at boosting student grades and cutting suspensions.

The 620-student elementary school on Alexander Avenue in Merced slashed student suspensions from 96 in the 2012-13 school year to 49 the following year, then from 48 in 2014-15 to just nine last year, school officials said in a statement.

Nearly 6,000 elementary schools were eligible to apply this year for the state’s Gold Ribbon Schools Program, and just 772 were selected, including Burbank Elementary School.

The Gold Ribbon awards recognize California schools that have made gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. The award was announced earlier this month.

School leaders adopted a system of “academic and behavioral supports” that “fill the gaps when students require extra help with academics or their behavior,” officials said.

“Burbank implemented a systemwide approach to ensure students have academic as well as social and emotional success,” said Michelle Symes, the Merced County Office of Education coordinator of state and federal programs.

Teachers meet regularly to monitor progress and identify areas that need improvement. Time is planned in the daily instructional schedule to respond to issues, and teachers also may seek help from clinicians and other support staffers to address behavior issues and academic struggles, officials said.

Schools applied for the award based on a model or practice that includes activities, projects and strategies that can be replicated by other schools, according to a statement from Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction.

“These schools shine as bright beacons for others, putting forth an exemplary effort to ensure that every student is ready for 21st-century college and careers,” Torlakson said. “California teachers are developing an education model for the nation, training the students of today to be the problem-solvers, inventors and pioneers of tomorrow.”

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Burbank Elementary School gets Gold Ribbon award for kids’ progress."