Intel® Schools of Distinction

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Intel Schools of Distinction

Congratulations to the 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction Winners!

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.

Mathematics Excellence
Cedar Park Elementary School Trumann, AR	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.
Urban Assembly for Applied Math and Science Bronx, NY	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.
Lynn English High School Lynn, MA	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.
Science Excellence
Oakcliff Elementary School Doraville, GA	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.
Palm Desert Middle School Palm Desert, CA	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.
Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy Aurora, IL	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.

Honoring the Finalists

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.

Mathematics Excellence	Science Excellence
Elementary School Mandarin Oaks Elementary School Jacksonville, FL Midtown West School New York, NY	Elementary School Bevis Elementary School Lithia, FL Foulks Ranch Elementary School Elk Grove, CA
Middle School Crabapple Middle School Roswell, GA Rocky Heights Middle School Littleton, CO	Middle School Teeland Middle School Wasilla, AK Tierra Del Sol Middle School Lakeside, CA
High School Jesuit High School Portland, OR Revere High School Revere, MA	High School BASIS Tucson Tucson, AZ Westshore Junior/Senior High School Melbourne, FL

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)