Intel Corporation has honored Cedar Park Elementary School of Trumann, Ark. for mathematics excellence at the 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards.
Cedar Park and 5 other U.S. schools honored on Sept. 15 at an awards reception in Washington, D.C. serve as outstanding examples of leaders in preparing tomorrow’s innovators.
Intel sponsors the Schools of Distinction Awards to honor schools for implementing innovative math and science programs and serving as models for other schools. The Intel Foundation and sponsoring companies will distribute to this year's winning schools a total of more than $1.3 million in cash, products and services.
Each winning school received $2,500 from the Intel Foundation when they were named finalists in April. As winners, each will receive another $10,000 from the Intel Foundation plus an award package valued at $200,000 that includes curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software prizes and services from sponsors.
"It is critical for U.S. schools to invest in math and science education," said Shelly Esque, vice president, Legal and Corporate Affairs director, Corporate Affairs Group. “Because education is the foundation for innovation, the schools recognized as Intel Schools of Distinction are performing valuable services that will open doors to unprecedented opportunities for their students.”
Awards for mathematics excellence at the elementary, middle school and high school levels, respectively, went to: Cedar Park, Urban Assembly for Applied Math and Science, Bronx, N.Y., and Lynn English High School, Lynn, Mass.
The winning schools in mathematics offer their students a rigorous, challenging and engaging program that teaches mathematics skills and how to apply them to solve real-life problems, approach projects as a member of a team, and communicate succinctly on the subject.
Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy (IMSA) of Aurora, IL and Oakcliff Elementary School of Doraville, Ga. joined Palm Desert Middle School of Palm Desert, Calif. in winning 2009 Schools of Distinction awards for science excellence in their respective levels.
The winning schools in science provide a rich science curriculum incorporating hands-on investigative experiences that prepare students for 21st century jobs. Programs encourage student achievement in sciences and engineering, while simultaneously helping students to become knowledgeable consumers of news and data in order to be active and informed citizens.
The Making of an Intel School of Distinction
Through a concerted effort, Cedar Park has fostered exemplary models in math instruction through well-trained lead teachers and dedicated math coaches. Student proficiency has improved 91 percent as the result of a comprehensive program that supports teachers, students, and parents. Lead teachers share extensive professional development and guide colleagues. The coach brings new approaches to math teaching, designs lessons based on individual student needs, and assesses data to keep teaching closely aligned to student progress.
Students take personal responsibility for their learning. During work time, students learn math concepts as they discuss, share, problem-solve and assimilate knowledge, teachers conduct individual student conferences to discuss prior and current performance and to set goals for future performance. A combination of math-focused professional development and a culture of personal accountability within the student body have led to the successful mathematics program at Cedar Park Elementary.
For more information on the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards and to view the complete list of winners, visit www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction.
Intel's sponsorship of the Schools of Distinction Awards is part of the Intel® Education Initiative, a sustained public-private partnership with governments in more than 50 countries. Through this $100 million a year initiative, Intel delivers programs that improve the effective use of technology to enhance 21st century skills, and encourages excellence in mathematics, science and engineering. For more information, visit www.intel.com/education.
In addition to Intel, Schools of Distinction award sponsors include Absolute Software, Brainware, Safari, DyKnow, eInstruction, Elluminate, Global Scholar, I-CAN, Inspiration Software, Microsoft, Pearson, SAS, Scantron, Smart and Toshiba.
Intel [NASDAQ: INTC], the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.
