Leadership in Cultural Diversity Education Award

I am pleased to inform you that on October 28, 2004, the Board of Education approved the establishment of the Leadership in Cultural Diversity Education Award. The boards 2003-04 Student Advisory Committee recommended that the award be developed to recognize schools and school divisions that promote cultural diversity education.

The Leadership in Cultural Diversity Education Award will be given to schools or school divisions on a quarterly basis for effectively providing educational opportunities that promote an understanding and responsiveness to cultural diversity. Recipients will be presented a certificate of recognition by the Board of Education, and their programs will be highlighted on the Web site of the Virginia Department of Education.

Criteria for Selection

Continuous development of strategies that encourage success for all students

Sustained activities and programs that promote an atmosphere of inclusiveness for all students

Ongoing activities that eliminate prejudice

Development of innovative programs that promote cultural understanding

Education about cultural diversity includes, but is not limited to, strategies and programs that promote a school climate that is culturally responsive to all students. Diversity forums, cultural presentations, staff development training, and collaboration between school and community groups are just a few examples of effective approaches.

How to Submit A Nomination

To be considered for the award, a school or school division must complete the attached application. The selection committee, to include representatives from school divisions, the Virginia Department of Education, and a nationally recognized cultural competency trainer/ consultant, will select recipient(s).

Nominations should include:

Information about the number of students and the school(s) affected, as well as demographics of the school(s) and the student population

A description of the program or strategy implemented

A description of how the program or strategy promotes an understanding of cultural diversity within the school community or promotes a school climate that is inclusive to all students

Contact information for the nominator, including mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address

Any information documenting results, such as letters of support, publications, or newspaper coverage

The submission timeline is as follows:

First quarter submissions must be received by January 28, 2005. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, March 23, 2005.

Second quarter submissions must be received by April 29, 2005. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, June 22, 2005.

Third quarter submissions must be received by July 29, 2005. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, September 28, 2005.

Fourth quarter submissions must be received by October 14, 2005. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, November 30, 2005.

The application may be submitted electronically to mailto:Alveta.sutton@doe.virginia.gov or mailed to:

Leadership in Cultural Diversity Education Award

C/O Dr. Alveta G. Sutton

Virginia Department of Education

P.O. Box 2120

Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120

For more information on the Leadership in Cultural Diversity Education Award, please contact Dr. Alveta G. Sutton, student services specialist, at 804-692-0396 or at mailto:Alveta.sutton@doe.virginia.gov.

Attachments:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2004/inf250a.doc

JLD/ags