2010-2011 APSRC NWEA Growth Awards Criteria
The Arkansas Public School Resource Center is pleased to announce the APSRC Growth Awards competition and criteria for 2010-2011. Districts, schools, and teachers who administered NWEA
Measures in Academic Progress (MAP) during the 2010-2011 school year are eligible for monetary awards sponsored through a generous grant by the Walton Family Foundation.
APSRC Growth Awards recognize the administration of NWEA MAP assessments in reading, language, and mathematics and the use of MAP data to inform curriculum, target instruction, and improve instruction at the classroom, school, and district levels.
The deadline for submissions in all categories is October 1, 2011. NWEA Growth Awards will be announced at the 2011 APSRC Student Assessment Institute on October 25, 2011, and at the 2011
APSRC Annual Fall Conference on October 26, 2011.
Categories and criteria for the NWEA Growth Awards submissions include:
Category 1: 6 Teacher-level Awards - $1,000 each
Submit growth summary reports for Reading, Language Usage, and/or Mathematics with the percentage of students who show positive growth index (60% or higher minimum for award) for a class of students. Submit sample lesson plans showing use of data to target students’ learning readiness and a narrative describing how MAP data were used to guide teaching and learning during the school year. Two teacher awards will be given in each of the following categories: elementary education; middle school or junior high; and high schools.
Category 2: 2 School-level Awards - $2,500 each
Submit growth summary reports for Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics for all grades tested in a school showing positive growth index (60% or higher minimum for award). Submit evidence of at least three data discussions and instructional plans developed with staff that include
MAP data to improve instruction. The narrative should demonstrate use of MAP data to target students’ learning readiness during the school year and to plan professional development at the school level.
Category 3: 2 District-level Awards - $10,000 each
Submit growth summary reports for Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics for all schools using MAP in all schools in the district showing positive growth index (60% or higher minimum for award). Submit evidence of at least three data discussions and instructional plans developed with staff from each school focused on using data to improve instruction. Include a narrative describing how MAP data were used to guide teaching and learning during the school year and plan targeted professional development at the district level based on student assessment results.

Eligibility
This competition is open to APSRC-member district, schools, and teachers who administered MAP assessments in 2010-2011. To be considered for a growth award, districts will have administered
MAP assessments during the fall 2010 testing window and during the spring 2011 testing window in order to have growth data at the district, school, and classroom levels.
Entry Requirements
APSRC Growth Award recipients should be able to demonstrate distinction in one or more of the categories outlined above. Submissions of growth data and evidence of use of data for instructional must hold lessons valuable to others interested in using data to improve the education of children and youth.
Candidates are asked to submit separately for each category with a cover letter signed by the contact applicant and the district superintendent or proxy. Submit paper copies of reports and supporting documentation.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the growth data reports and the quality of evidence showing the use of student data to guide curriculum, assessment, and instruction at either the classroom level, school level, or district level.
Recognition and Awards Ceremony
NWEA Growth Awards will be announced at the 2011 APSRC NWEA Student Assessment Institute on October 25, 2011, and at the 2011 APSRC Annual Fall Conference on October 26, 2011. Award winners will also be invited to present at these conferences.
Important Dates
October 1, 2011: APSRC NWEA Growth Award Submission Deadline
Additional Information
Contact Dr. Ellen Treadway, Arkansas Public School Resource Center at 501-492-4300 or etreadway@apsrc.net
.
Mailing Address:
Arkansas Public School Resource Center
1401 West Capitol, Suite 465
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201