The Edmond Sun

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October 30, 2009

UCO-based Oklahoma A+ Schools opens application period

EDMOND — The University of Central Oklahoma-based Oklahoma A+ Schools has opened the application period for new A+ school selection for the 2010-11 school year.

The period allows Pre-K through 12 schools in Oklahoma to apply to become a part of the Oklahoma A+ Schools statewide network, providing innovative leadership and resources to advance a quality, whole school experience to nurture creativity in every learner.

Oklahoma A+ administrators encourage schools to first visit their Web site at www.aplusok.org to learn more about the program, viewing the “Information for Interested Schools” slidecast. Schools must then send a Letter of Intent by Nov. 18.

When their letters are received, schools will be notified of the time and place for the next step, the Pre-Institute investigative workshops. Schools selected to become a part of the network will attend a five-day Summer Institute in July 2010.

“We are excited to reach a broader audience through technology and our presence on the Internet,” said Rosalynn Wade, program director of Oklahoma A+ Schools ®. “We want as many schools as possible to learn how they can access our research-based, ongoing services.”

Due to the growing commitment of schools to address the 21st century needs of their students coupled with Oklahoma A+ Schools’ proven, research-based, creative approach, there is expected to be a large demand for A+ services in the coming year.

Since 2002, A+ has helped schools across the state meet their goals and objectives for all their students. The research on member schools documents improved academic performance, better climate, increased collaboration, and attention to multiple learning pathways that make success possible for all learners. To date, 60 schools across the state have been accepted into the A+ network.

Schools in the A+ network receive the following resources free of charge: customized and ongoing professional development, training provided by expert practicing teachers and artists, an intricate network of support, strategies to address the 21st century learner, statewide and national partnerships exclusive to member schools, and an active research component.

“In order to get different, more creative output, we need to look at school differently,” said Jean Hendrickson, executive director Oklahoma A+ Schools.

A+ schools are public, private, charter, rural, suburban, and urban. Member schools demonstrate higher academic achievement scores, fewer disciplinary problems, more creative and focused instruction, joyful and engaged students, happier and more effective teachers, and stronger parent and community engagement.

For more information, call 974-3779 or visit www.aplusok.org.

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