Intel in Your Community Oregon

Meet Sojourner Elementary, Star Innovator School

Intel Corporation named Sojourner Elementary School of Milwaukie as the "Star Innovator" among six winners of the 2008 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards. Each of the six winning schools, which were honored at a gala in Washington, D.C., received a USD 10,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation and an award package that includes curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software valued at more than USD 160,000. As Star Innovator, Sojourner received additional cash, products and services, including a USD 15,000 grant from the Intel Foundation.

Mathematics achievement at Sojourner has steadily improved over the past 4 years, according to Oregon State Assessment data. Sojourner utilizes a "team teaching" approach, which allows content specialization. At each level, at least one teacher completes additional coursework and professional development in mathematics. This results in specialized content and academic knowledge in mathematics.

Computers are equipped with the software necessary to complete the computer-based units from the school's math curriculum, and teachers are trained to implement these units.

Newsletters produced at each level inform parents as to the specific content in class so that parents can provide appropriate support. All families have math manipulative "kits" at home so that students can continue to develop ideas at the conceptual level. Families also have access to the district Web site, where the online Student Learning Center provides valuable resources for practice activities at a variety of levels. To learn more about Intel's Schools of Distinction program, click here.