The Lead and Inspire award is presented to an Arizona high school and middle school that fosters rigorous coursework, demonstrates academic achievement and increases the
number of under-represented students in all school programs.
In 2008, Lead and Inspire Award program was launched, asking educators to nominate high schools and middle schools that have made a difference in the achievement and attitude of its students. Testimonies from students, educators, and administrators about programs that affected learning were part of the application. Four Valley schools were recognized due to their efforts to develop courses of rigor and raise achievement scores, but, more importantly, because of their willingness to connect with kids and make school a positive experience for all.
Hamilton High School, in the Chandler Unified School District, Carl T. Smith Elementary School, part of Isaac Elementary School District were award winners with Westwood High School, in Mesa Public Schools and Wilson Elementary, part of the Wilson Elementary School District receiving Honorable Mention.
The Options for Excellence Program announces a call for applications for the 2009 Lead and Inspire Award. An Arizona high school and middle school will once again be recognized for the innovative methods used to foster academic achievement and rigorous coursework and engage students in learning and school participation. A high school and middle school will also receive Honorable Mention.
The Lead and Inspire Award hopes to recognize schools that have made a concerted effort to increase professional growth opportunities for its staff, increase the number of students taking challenging coursework, develop programs to keep students in school and have involved staff, parents, and community members in the achievement plans.
GUIDELINES:
Recipients must be public or nonpublic Arizona middle or high school institutions. One Arizona high school and middle school will receive the award. One high school or middle school will receive Honorable Mention.
Applicants must provide:
1) a student or student group testimonial.
2) a professional statement in support of the application, such as a teacher, counselor or principal.
3) a one page statement explaining what the school has done to increase student achievement , increase IB or AP participation at the high school or increase student reading and math skills at the middle school, and indicate to what extent programs such as AVID, Honors, Pre-AP or Dual Enrollment have been implemented.
4) a one page statement that addresses to what extent the school has worked to increase the number of under-represented students enrolled in courses of rigor and school programs.
4) a parent testimonial that addresses how the school program has supported his/her child in preparing for high school and college.
Applications will be reviewed by the ASU Office of Education Partnerships, the ASU Office of Youth Preparation and the regional College Board and ACT representative.
TIMELINES:
Hard copies of the applications must be received no later than Tuesday, December 8, 2009. Send copies to:
Options for Excellence Program
Office of Youth Preparation
522 North Central Avenue, Suite 243
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
No faxed or email copies will be accepted.
Recipients will be notified of their award January 7, 2009; awards will be presented at school sites.
Questions? Please email Janet Grant at janet.grant@asu.edu or call 602-496-2181.