Dorothea Lange, Templeton elementary schools win state distinction

Two San Luis Obispo County elementary schools made the list for the state’s Gold Ribbon Schools Awards Program: Dorothea Lange Elementary School in Nipomo and Templeton Elementary School.

The Gold Ribbon Awards recognize schools that have made gains in implementing the Board of Education’s academic content and performance standards.

A total of 772 elementary schools were chosen for the distinction, according to a news release from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson this week. This is the first year elementary schools are eligible, according to the news release.

The California Gold Ribbon Schools Program was created in place of the California Distinguished Schools Program, which is on hiatus while California creates new assessment and accountability systems. Last year, 373 middle and high schools were chosen for the honor, including seven in San Luis Obispo County.

The schools will be honored in May and June during regional ceremonies held in Santa Clara, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Visalia and Sacramento.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Dorothea Lange, Templeton elementary schools win state distinction."