About the School Recognition Program
WHAT IS IT?
The A+ Program celebrates education and brings to light the
positive stories and successes happening in public schools
every day. The A+ Program is an amazing catalyst for bringing
together the surrounding community and its local neighborhood
school.
The A+ School Recognition Program was created by the Arizona
Educational Foundation in 1983. Its purpose is threefold:
- to identify and give public recognition to outstanding
public schools in Arizona;
- to make available a comprehensive framework of key criteria
for school effectiveness that can serve as a basis for participatory
self-assessment and planning in schools;
- to facilitate communication and sharing of best practices
within and among schools based on a common criteria related
to success.
A+ BEST PRACTICES:
Learn about successful programs and practices in
place at participating A+ schools by clicking on the Best
Practices link. A+ Schools serve as models of educational
excellence to other schools throughout the state and the nation. You
are encouraged to contact them directly for additional
information.
WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?
August: Applications made available to schools statewide
January: Applications due to Arizona Educational Foundation
Early February: Schools selected for site visits
February through mid-April: Site visits
Mid-April: A+ Schools announced
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Schools submit applications that provide demographic information,
a description of current programs and practices, documentation
of parent and community involvement, a profile of the school
principal and his/her vision of the commitment to excellence,
equity, service, and sustained high achievement or significant
improvement in assessment. The winning schools are recognized
for their superior ability to meet the needs of their student
populations. Schools designated as A+ retain their status
for a 3-year period after which time they may reapply for
the A+ Award.
The selection process involves a panel of judges who represent
the Arizona community. These judges conduct site visits to
selected elementary and secondary schools in the state in
order to choose A+ Award winners.
WHAT ARE THE REWARDS?
Recognition itself is a powerful energizer for increasing
public confidence in recognized schools, generating higher
local funding and creating greater parent and community involvement.
The A+ process allows schools to identify and solve problems,
generate new support from the community and business partners,
increase student and parent pride, validate school programs
and accomplishments, and re-energize the staff, students,
and parents.
Each school receives $500 and a banner designating it as an
A+ School. All staff and faculty at 2010 A+ Schools will be eligible for partial scholarships from Argosy University/Phoenix: 20% for a Master's degree and 15% for both Undergraduate and Doctoral degrees.
WHO MAKES THIS POSSIBLE?
2009-2010 A+ Presenting Sponsors:
APS
Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
The Arizona Republic/Season for Sharing to donate to Season for Sharing, click here
Safeway
With support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Additional Support Provided by AEF's "Supporting Partners:"
Southwest Gas Corporation
Current A+ Schools and A+ applicant schools are encouraged to consider accreditation through the North Central Association. The process for and benefits of accreditation compliment the A+ process. For more information visit their website at www.ncacasi.org or call 1-866-837-2229.
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