COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 21

October 9, 2007

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE/SECONDARY

TO:	Principals
FROM:	Linda M. Wallinger Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
SUBJECT:	The National Center for Urban School Transformation 2008 Excellence in Urban Education Award

The National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) is accepting nomination applications for the National Excellence in Urban Education Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize the dedication and talent of urban school educators and students, provide a benchmark of excellence that motivates reform efforts, and deepen the knowledge base of best practices for promoting urban school transformation. School divisions in Virginia are invited to nominate schools for this award.

To be eligible for consideration, schools must meet all of the criteria outlined in the document located at the following address: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/ncust/awards/criteria.html. All applicants that meet the criteria will be placed on NCUSTs School Honor Roll for 2008.

NCUST will compare the applications of schools that meet all eligibility criteria to identify those with the strongest indicators of high achievement for all students served. No more than 20 schools will be identified as award finalists. A team will visit all finalist schools to validate the application data, acquire additional evidence of school excellence, and learn about the processes and practices that contributed to the schools success.

Ten schools or fewer will receive the 2008 Excellence in Urban Education Award. Winners will be recognized in San Diego at the NCUST Symposium on May 8-9, 2008. If your school meets the criteria, I encourage you to complete the application that can be found at the NCUST website at http://edweb.sdsu.edu/ncust. Applications are due on November 30, 2007. Additional information about the process or previous winners can also be found at the NCUST website.

LMW/dj