California Schools to Watch

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Become a 2021 School to Watch
Does your middle school, K-8 school, traditional school, or public charter school serve middle-grades students exceptionally well? Apply now to become a California School to Watch. Applying is free and it is something you and your team can do remotely. Be recognized and share your site’s best practices with other educators!

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Are you a current School to Watch?

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• Renew Your CLS Schools to Watch membership
  Annual membership is required. Renew now and get free attendance for two or more at the Middle-Level Conference -- see tips to pay for your membership.

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• Redesignate as a School to Watch
  Every three years, Schools to Watch reapply to ensure growth is continuing. This year, reapplying is simpler than ever! Renew your CLS Schools to Watch membership to receive the password and then visit the Schools to Watch redesignation page.

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• Tap free and low-cost resources
  Join the Principals to Watch PLC, share free resources with your staff, and access exceptional PD at great prices.

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California Schools to Watch profiles

Browse over 130 schools in the network. Click on a school name to view its profile.

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About Schools to Watch
Schools to Watch is a national network of over 400 schools in 17 states. California is the largest state participant. Schools that apply to become Schools to Watch in the fall submit an application that is reviewed by experienced middle-grades experts in their state. If the application is approved, the school hosts a validation visit (the visit may be virtual due to COVID-19 this school year). If the school meets the qualifications, the school becomes a California School to Watch in March and a National School to Watch in June. 

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About California Schools to Watch
The California Schools to Watch program is operated by:

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Lead Agencies

• California League of Schools 

• California Department of Education

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Program Partners

• California Middle Grades Alliance, a partnership of CDE, CLS, and:

  • Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)

  • Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

  • Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee (CISC) of California County Superintendents

  • Educational Services Association (CCESA)

  • California Middle Grades Partnership Network (CMGPN)

  • California School Boards Association (CSBA)

  • California Parent Teachers Association (CAPTA)

  • California Teachers Association (CTA)

  • Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)

• National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform

• Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage Model Schools

How to Become a 2021 School to Watch
Applications are due November 1, 2020
Recognition as a School to Watch often fosters stronger staff morale, a better school reputation, higher enrollment, and increased student achievement. Take these steps to apply:

• Sign up for your school’s Self-Study Rating Rubric (complete this first)

• Download the Application Instructions (PDF)

• Request and make a copy of the Application (Form)

• Make a copy of the School Demographics and Characteristics (PDF)

• Download the Application Writing Team (PDF)

• Download the Assurances (PDF)

 
Required for the State Application Process: Download the Application Addendum (PDF)