Intel Corporation honored Urban Assembly for Applied Math and Science, Bronx, N.Y. at the 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards on Sept. 15. The school was honored for its mathematics excellence.
Urban Assembly and 5 other U.S. schools honored today 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 high school, middle school and elementary levels, respectively, went to: Lynn English High School of Lynn, Mass., Urban Assembly, and Cedar Park Elementary School of Trumann, Ark
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, Oakcliff Elementary School of Doraville, Ga., and Palm Desert Middle School of Palm Desert, Calif. won 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
Urban Assembly for Applied Science and Mathematics, based in a diverse South Bronx community, 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 its mission of math achievement. At this highly accomplished school, 81.5 percent of students score at or above grade level and 34 percent of special needs students show an improvement in math.
The school believes that students learn best when confronted with authentic tasks where the teachers work with students in making real-world connections to engineering, science, history, medicine, sports, music, and art. This strategic approach has shown Urban Assembly gets proven results. Student math scores have been much higher than those for many more affluent areas and the hard work of its students is a source of inspiration to the diverse community, with 92 percent of parents attending parent-teacher night. Urban Assembly for Applied Math and Science is nurturing a generation of compassionate, critical thinkers, ready to pursue college and work opportunities.
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.
