COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 150

August 5, 2005

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Cultural Diversity Education Award

The Virginia Department of Education is soliciting applications for the Board of Educations Leadership in Cultural Diversity Education Award as described in the Informational SUPTS. MEMO NO. 250 dated December 17, 2004. The Board of Educations Leadership in Cultural Education Award recognizes schools and school divisions for effectively providing educational opportunities that promote an understanding and responsiveness to cultural diversity for all students and the school community.

Education on 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, professional development training, and collaboration between school and community groups are just a few examples of effective approaches.

Each recipient of the award will be presented a certificate by the Board of Education, and the award program will be on the Web site of the Virginia Department of Education.

The criteria for selection are:

• 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

To be considered for the award, a school or school division must complete an application(attached). Applications 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 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:

• Fall quarter submissions must be received by Sept. 23, 2005. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, November 16, 2005.

• Winter quarter submissions must be received by January 12, 2006. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, March 22, 2006.

• Spring quarter submissions must be received by April 10, 2006. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, June 21, 2006.

Please see our website for the application attachment. Applications may be submitted electronically to: Vivian.Stith-Williams@doe.virginia.gov or mailed to:

Board of Educations Leadership in Cultural Diversity Education Award

C/O Dr. Vivian Stith-Williams

Virginia Department of Education

P.O. Box 2120

Richmond, VA 23218-2120

If you have questions or need additional information on the Leadership in Cultural Diversity Education Award, please contact Dr. Vivian Stith-Williams, parent specialist, at 804-371-7420 or email address as noted above.

VSW/smb

Attachment

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2005/inf150a.doc