College Board Award Programs for Schools and Teachers

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 21

November 7, 2006

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE/SECONDARY

TO:

Principals

FROM:

Linda M. Wallinger

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

SUBJECT:

College Board Award Programs for Schools and Teachers

The College Board is currently seeking applications for the following two award programs:

2007 Inspiration Award

The College Board 2007 Inspiration Awards recognize America's most improved high schools. Three winning schools will receive $25,000 each, and five honorable mention schools will receive $1,000 each. Winning schools initiate unique programs and create partnerships among teachers, parents, community organizations, and local businesses to help more students attend college. The Inspiration Awards are open to all secondary schools (public and nonpublic) in which 40 percent or more of the students receive free or reduced-price lunches. Schools should be able to demonstrate significant and consistent growth across the entire student population in:

a) participation in rigorous curricula, such as the Advanced Placement Programs (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs; b) participation in college preparatory coursework; and c) the percentage of students accepted to two- or four-year institutions of higher education

For additional information or to download an Inspiration Awards application, go to http://www.collegeboard.com/about/association/inspiration.html. The deadline for application submissions is November 17, 2006. Award winners will be announced in April 2007.

Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing

Six grants of $2,000 each will be awarded to teachers of grades 6 through 12 who inspire students to write. The grants will help teachers continue a current project or start something new. Projects can be carried out in school, through an after‑school writing workshop, or during a summer program. Teachers from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply. Activities might include a student newspaper or website; a creative writing group for aspiring poets or songwriters; a program for integrating writing and mathematics; a workshop in science fiction or sports writing; or an activity using student writers to help senior citizens record their life stories. Any project qualifies if it introduces young people to the joy of writing. Public and nonpublic school teachers of grades 6 through 12 from all subject areas are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be postmarked on or before November 17, 2006.

For additional information or to download the guidelines, timeline, and application go to http://www.collegeboard.com/counselors/teachers/costas_grants.html. Grant winners will be announced in January 2007.

The Virginia Department of Education encourages Virginia educators to consider applying for these awards. If you have questions, please contact Faye Rollings-Carter, associate director, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, by e-mail at Faye.Rollings-Carter@doe.virginia.gov, or by telephone at (804) 225-2593.

LMW/FRC/yba