Why are these awards
bestowed?
We believe that significant school change (for the
better) is not easy to achieve and, quite simply, we want to recognize
those schools (and school districts) that have been able to achieve
this. We are also conducting some important research about how these
schools were able to be successful.
Can a school nominate
itself?
Yes. Schools may be nominated by their district or by an external nominator
(such as a university, school reform group, reading association, etc.).
In some cases, districts are distributing the information packet to
all schools in their district and encouraging schools to nominate themselves.
What value is there for
a school to go through this nomination process?
The very process of asking oneself serious questions
focused on school improvement can be very rewarding and helpful for
a set of school stakeholders. Think about it: How significant have our
attempts at change been? What have been the obstacles? How have we dealt
with those barriers? Are we doing the best we can for our students?
What lies ahead?
Can someone else nominate
a school?
In many ways it is preferable to have someone outside
the school take a lead role in submitting the nomination, although the
school itself, will be composing and gathering most of the basic information.
Is there a limit to the
number of schools that can be nominated from the same district?
No.
What does a winning school
receive?
The Award to each of the six schools will include:
• A $5,000 grant
• A ceremony conducted at their school in May/June 2010
• National recognition and coverage by the media
• Subsidized participation of the school’s principal in
the 13th Annual National Principals Leadership Institute to be conducted
in New York City
• An awards presentation by the United States Department of Education
at a special ceremony in July 2010
• Participation in a major national research project focusing
on school change
If we win and our principal
participates in the National Principals Leadership Institute, what expenses
are covered?
The school district will be reimbursed up to a limit
of $1,000.00 for economy air travel and hotel expenses for the school's
principal.
What is the timeline?
Nomination packets are due no later than by March
4, 2010. Awards will be announced on or about April 24, 2010. Local
awards ceremonies at the six winning schools will be scheduled for May
-June 2010.
What materials must be
submitted?
As indicated by the guidelines and criterial pages there are some basic
pieces of information that are required. You must submit four binders,
no wider than 1.5 inches. Each binder must contain all of your materials.
Also, you must submit the materials on 2 CDs. Each CD must have four
files. Please save all files in PDF format. Check that all files will
open. ( We suggest Wilson Jones Poly View 1” white binders.).
If you do not have a program that can convert the files, please click
here for a free converter. Check that all files will open. All of
the following must be submitted:
• Essay explaining how the school meets the criteria for
significant school change. In essence, you are "telling your story
of change." Of course, in the essay, there must be a reference
to the four dimensions of school change, which are outlined in the list
of criteria. It is a good idea to structure your essay in the order
of the criteria dimensions. This makes it easier for scoring.
• Four letters
of recommendation.
These should be concise, no more than one page. Two
of the letters are from individuals who "live" within the
school -- parents, non-teaching staff, teachers, and administrators.
These are people who, with an "insiders perspective," can
speak candidly about the school's changes. The other two letters are
from "outside" the school and therefore have another viewpoint.
These can be individuals who work at organizations that have partnered
with the school (business, university, community-based organization,
professional association, etc.). Or, they could be people from the district
office or state department of education. Or, they could by an elected
official, government agency liaison, community leader.
• Supporting
data.
You want to present a convincing case. The schools
that have won in the past dramatically and clearly provided examples,
anecdotes, and illustrations. Some schools used article excerpts. charts,
graphs, photographs, etc. This is a good opportunity for nominated schools
to become creative as they "tell their story.
The nomination overview
form asks for four references. Who are these people?
These are the same individuals who have submitted
letters of recommendation.
Can other individuals
attend the National Principals Leadership Institute?
Yes. As you can tell from the web site, this is a
remarkable program and a wonderful professional development opportunity
for principals, assistant/vice principals and district office personnel
who work closely with school principals. The theme for this summer,
Re-imagining Schools.
Nominations must be received by March 4, 2010
For more information please
contact:
Jason Benjamin,
Nominations Coordinator
212-524-4616
jbenjamin@npli.org
Juan Fonseca,
Co-Director
212-524-4616
jfonseca@npli.org
