(1) The state board shall annually present financial awards to the public schools in the state demonstrating the highest rates of student longitudinal growth, including longitudinal growth across multiple years, as measured by the Colorado growth model. The technical advisory panel convened pursuant to section 22-11-202 shall recommend to the state board, and the state board shall establish by rule, the method by which to identify schools that demonstrate the highest rate of student longitudinal growth in one or more school years, as measured by the Colorado growth model. The technical advisory panel shall take school size into account in preparing its recommendations.
(2) Of the moneys available for awards pursuant to this part 6, two thirds shall be awarded pursuant to this section.
(3) An award issued pursuant to this section shall be known as a "Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award".