must be Blue/Green on both ELA and Mathematics using Dashboard data for the prior completed school year. The ALL student group must be Blue/Green/Yellow on the Suspension Rate Indicator using Dashboard data for the prior completed school year The ALL student group must be Blue/Green/Yellow on the Chronic Absenteeism Indicator using Dashboard data for the prior completed school year. 95 percent participation rate in the prior two school years for both ELA and Mathematics. “Exceptional Student Performance” criteria The ALL student group must be Blue in both ELA and Mathematics using Dashboard data for the prior completed school year. The ALL student group must be Blue on the Suspension Rate Indicator using Dashboard data for the prior completed school year. The ALL student group must be Blue on the Chronic Absenteeism Indicator using Dashboard data for the prior completed school year 95 percent participation rate in the prior two school years for both ELA and Mathematics. Program funding The California Distinguished Schools Program receives funding from California School Recognition Program Sponsors. Sponsors include companies such as Comcast, programs such as the California State Lottery, and special interest groups such as the California Teachers Association. Historical criticism and response In 2001, the Los Angeles Times wrote an article identifying complaints with the program's selection process. Times author Jessica Garrison wrote that, at the time, the application process required that “schools must score in the top half of the state’s Academic Performance Index and write an exhaustive, 10-section application describing everything from campus culture to library services.” The critique primarily focused on the lack of incentive, resources, and recognition for lower-performing schools that make significant improvements. The article also lamented the lack of rigorous data to back applicant's claims of student success. Historical Interim Award Program Between 2015 and 2017, the California Department of Education awarded the California Gold Ribbon School designation for three years while California transitioned to its new assessment and accountability system. It returned to the California Distinguished School system beginning in 2018. References Education in California