COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 178

August 31, 2007

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

 

FROM:

Billy K. Cannaday, Jr.

Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

SUBJECT:

Cultural Diversity Education Award

 

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

 

The award represents acknowledgment and celebration of efforts to incorporate strategies and programs that promote a school climate that is culturally competent and culturally responsive to all students. Professional development training, cultural presentations, diversity forums and collaboration between schools and community groups are a few examples of effective approaches.

 

Each award recipient will be invited to attend a Board of Education meeting for the presentation of a certificate of recognition.

 

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 are aimed at eliminating prejudice
  • Development of innovative programs that promote cultural understanding

 

To be considered for the award, a school or school division must complete an application found at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/studentsrvcs/disproportionality.shtml

 

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 Oct. 19, 2007. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, November 29, 2007.
  • Winter quarter submissions must be received by January 12, 2008. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, March 20, 2008.
  • Spring quarter submissions must be received by April 10, 2008. Recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting, June 19, 2008.

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, student services specialist, at 804-225-4543 or e-mail address as noted above.

 

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