Overview
The Impact Schools Award selection process is designed to ensure a fair, thorough, and thoughtful review of each application. Schools are recognized based on the strength of their work, the impact on students, and the quality of implementation.
How Applications Are Reviewed
1. Initial Review
All applications are reviewed to confirm that required components are complete and aligned to the purpose of the award.
Applications that clearly describe a program or initiative and provide supporting evidence move forward to committee review.
2. Cross-Division Committee Review
A team of Orange County Department of Education staff from across divisions reviews and scores applications using an advisory rubric.
This review focuses on:
- Impact on students
- Equity and access
- Implementation quality
- Sustainability
- Evidence of results
3. Cabinet Review and Selection
Application scores and reviewer insights are compiled and presented to OCDE's Cabinet.
Final awardees are selected from the highest-rated applications, with consideration given to:
- Strength of impact and evidence
- Representation across grade spans and school types
- Geographic and district diversity
This step ensures a balanced and representative group of recognized schools each year.
4. Validation Visit
Selected schools participate in a validation visit conducted by an OCDE team.
The purpose of the visit is to:
- Confirm the program or initiative as described in the application
- Observe the work in practice
- Engage with students, staff, and school leadership
Validation visits may include classroom walkthroughs, interviews, and program observations.
5. Final Confirmation
Following successful validation, schools are confirmed as Impact School Award recipients.
All applicants receive communication regarding the outcome of their application.
Guiding Principles
- The process is designed to recognize meaningful and authentic impact, not just strong applications.
- Multiple perspectives are included to ensure fairness and consistency.
Final selections reflect both application strength and countywide representation.
