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Intel Schools of Distinction
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Congratulations to the 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction Winners!
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Six schools won the top honors for their extraordinary commitment to instituting
21st century teaching and learning environments and implementing innovative programs
that inspire their students to excel in the areas of math and science. Each school
will receive a grant for $10,000 from Intel and an award package valued at more
than $100,000 from the program sponsors. At an event in Washington, D.C. on September
15, 2009, one of the six winners, will be named the Star Innovator and will receive
an additional $15,000 grant, for a grand total of $25,000, as well as supplemental
services and products.
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Mathematics Excellence
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Cedar Park Elementary
School
Trumann, AR
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A combination of math-focused professional development and a culture of personal
accountability within the student body have led to a successful mathematics program
at Cedar Park Elementary. Through a concerted effort, Cedar Park has fostered exemplary
models in math instruction through well-trained math lead teachers in each grade
level. Lead teachers work closely with the math coach to create an atmosphere of
collegiality to develop quality math instructors in every classroom. Students take
personal responsibility for their learning. During work time, students learn math
concepts as they discuss, share, problem-solve and assimilate knowledge and teachers
conduct individual student conferences to discuss prior and current performance
and to set goals for future performance.
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The Urban Assembly
School for Applied Math and Science
Bronx, NY
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The Urban Assembly School for Applied Science and Mathematics takes a comprehensive
organizational approach to supporting the teaching and learning of mathematics.
By implementing a strategic organization of teachers, ongoing team meetings, purposeful
scheduling, and extended school time the school has been able to support their mission
of math achievement. The school believes that students learn best when confronted
with authentic tasks that allow them to manipulate situations. When possible, the
school designs and delivers lessons that allow students to manipulate, test, adjust,
measure, conjecture, and discover. In addition, the teachers work with students
in making real-world connections to engineering, science, history, medicine, sports,
music, and art.
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Lynn English High
School
Lynn, MA
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The learning environment at Lynn English High School challenges students to assume
active roles as self-directed learners, with teachers functioning in the capacity
of “coaches,” providing guidance and direction. All high school students
complete algebra, geometry and in addition enroll in a variety of mathematics courses,
ranging in skill level from college prep to honors. Students are also given the
opportunity to select courses in Biotechnology, computer-aided design and drafting,
or technology certification programs within the Cisco Networking Academy. Close
community engagements have produced new mathematics and technology programs, offered
additional professional development opportunities, and created internships that
incite students to be self-directed and confident, utilize their 21st Century skills,
and take ownership of their learning in a real-life environment.
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Science Excellence
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Oakcliff Elementary
School
Doraville, GA
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Oakcliff Elementary serves a diverse population, with a child enrolled from every
continent except Antarctica. Through strong leadership, staff commitment, interdisciplinary
curriculum, and community support, Oakcliff is a Title I School of Excellence where
student academic performance exceeds local and State expectations in science, math,
and reading. Oakcliff's Small Fry to Go (SFtG) program has been recognized by the
US Department of Education as the #1 afterschool science program in the nation.
As a result of various teacher professional learning programs, Oakcliff has moved
away from departmentalized, teacher/textbook inspired instruction to authentic interdisciplinary
hands-on, project-based learning that connects and puts students in charge of their
own learning.
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Palm Desert Middle
School
Palm Desert, CA
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Palm Desert experienced a leap in student testing scores in science - the dramatic
increase in achievement can be attributed to the dedicated science staff. During
the 05-06 school year, California began testing eighth grade students in science.
Palm Desert Middle School’s initial results found 63% of students to be advanced
or proficient. Just one year later, these scores soared to 72%. In 2008, the scores
jumped again, to 78%. Six years ago, the school applied for and received the Federal
Voluntary Public School Choice Grant and then focused that award on environmental
science and stewardship in classrooms and the community; developing specific curricula
for each grade. The award-funded program allowed students to participate in various
hands-on research projects to demonstrate their knowledge in these areas.
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Illinois Mathematics
& Science Academy
Aurora, IL
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The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is a state agency created to
ensure that the needs of students highly talented in mathematics and science were
being met. Students at IMSA design and conduct hands-on experiments, make observations,
analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate evidence-based principles. Students
also delve into the scientific literature and build understanding by synthesizing
information and investigation through writing. These skills and abilities are then
extended with the electives and through the Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program.
Through SIR, students partner with cutting edge scientists to improve diagnostics,
search for the Higgs boson, develop nanotechnology-based therapies, and elucidate
mechanisms of disease, for example.
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The top six winners were among 18 schools who qualified as Intel Schools of Distinction
finalists. These finalists were chosen from public and private, as well as urban
and suburban, schools that participated in the application and judging process.
Intel would also like to honor these 12 schools for their commitment to science
and mathematics excellence.
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Mathematics Excellence
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Science Excellence
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Looking Back at Past Schools of Distinction Winners
September
2008 Winners (PDF 120 KB)
October
2007 Winners (PDF 231 KB)
October 2006 Winners (PDF 58 KB)
October 2005 Winners (PDF 181 KB)
June 2004 Winners (PDF 252 KB)
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