2019 Merit Award Application Preparing a ... - magnet.edumagnet.edu/files/2018/10/2019-Merit-Webinar_PPT.pdf · 1 = The magnet theme is evident in a limited manner and is not consistent

Schools Students Want. Schools Students Need. | @magnetschlsMSA

Preparing a Successful 2019 Merit Award Application

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 3:00pm EasternDr. Kim Morrison, President-Elect and Awards Co-ChairTheresa Porter, Region V Director and Awards Co-Chair

Judy Shen, Director of Operations


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The Magnet Schools of Merit Award recognizes member magnet schools and magnet programs that demonstrate a high commitment to academic standards, curriculum innovation, desegregation/diversity efforts, specialized teaching staffs, and parent and community involvement.


ELIGIBILITY✓ Must have implemented the

magnet program for a minimum of three years; with the exception of applications for the New and Emerging Magnet School category (designed for magnet schools in their second or third year of implementation).

✓ Must be a member in good standing of Magnet Schools of America for 2018-2019 by Friday, October 12, 2018.

❖ Email Fawzia Ampaware at

[email protected] at the MSA

Office to check your membership

status, become a member or to

renew your membership.

mailto:[email protected]


Award Categories Whole School (WS) Magnet

Program Within-A-School (PWAS) Magnet

Magnet Schools of Excellence, the top category, is awarded to a group of select magnet schools, and

Magnet Schools of Distinction, is the second highest award of recognition.

Member schools submit an application that is scored by a panel of educators, with specific cash awards provided to the top Magnet Schools of Excellence.

*Program Within-a-School programs must consist of at least twenty percent (20%) of the student population involved in the program OR a minimum of 200 students.

REMINDER:


Q: We have 569 students in main school 108 student in magnet. That means we only have 18.9%. Can we still apply? A: Unfortunately, you are not eligible. Twenty percent (20%) of the student population must be in the program or a minimum of 200 students.

Q: I received a question from one school that is only PreK3 & 4. Please confirm if they are ineligible since they are a PreK school. I noticed the application says K-12 schools. A: Unfortunately, Pre-K schools are not eligible. Only schools that contain K-12 classrooms.

General Questions


Award Categories

• School of Excellence – New & Emerging• School of Excellence – Program Within-a-School*• School of Excellence – Whole School Magnet

• School of Distinction – New & Emerging• School of Distinction – Program Within-a-School*• School of Distinction – Whole School Magnet


Q: I am a magnet coordinator at ABC Magnet. This is our third year so we won't have 3 or 4 years of data. Can we still apply this year?

Q: Do we use the same application for New and Emerging Category? Do I just check the box to indicate New and Emerging? Since this is our 3rd year, we don't have any awards that we received. Do we receive 0 point for new and emerging category? A: Yes, you can still apply, make sure to select the box‘New & Emerging’.

Awards are not limited to just the program/school as a whole. Make sure to include student, staff awards as well. (Tip: Refer to the rubric)

General Questions


Q: My Magnet was established in 1994 as a Communications and Technology program; however, in 2016 we successfully changed the name and theme of our program to College Prep and Digital Arts.

When applying for an award, can I apply under the “New and Emerging” category, since our theme has recently changed?

A: You may apply for “New and Emerging” only if your school has completely revamped the program including changing administration and most of their personnel. Evidence of that could be a new school code or a MSAP grant.

Otherwise, it's an established magnet that has changed their focus.

General Questions


Make sure to…the Merit Rubric

TIP #1Make sure to download the merit rubric…align your answers accordingly: Programs Within-A-School vs. Whole School

*Click the Criteria & Requirements tab… under Additional Materials & Signatures


A. Program Overview - 15pts

1. A summary of how the vision for the school is related to the theme and aligns with the goals, objectives, and educational activities for the school; (up to 250 words)

0 = Vision statement is present and reflects minimal alignment of goals, objectives, and educational activities in support of the magnet theme.

1 = Vision statement is clearly defined and reflects limited alignment of goals, objectives, and educational activities in support of the magnet theme.

3 = Vision statement is clearly defined and reflects extensive alignment of goals, objectives, and educational activities in support of the magnet theme.

5 = Vision statement is clearly defined and clearly articulates alignment of goals, objectives, and educational activities in support of the magnet theme.

2. How the magnet theme is integrated throughout the school in core classes as well as electives and co-curricular activities; (up to 500 words)

0 = The application does not articulate any thematic integration outside of the identified theme-related courses.

1 = The magnet theme is evident in a limited manner and is not consistent throughout the school day.

5 = There is evidence that the magnet theme is integrated into some of the courses of study.

7 = There is evidence that the magnet theme is integrated into all courses of study.

10 = There is evidence that the magnet theme is integrated throughout the school in core classes, electives, and co-curricular activities.

2019 Application Guidelines


cont’d - A. Program Overview

3. How the program/school promotes equitable access to all demographic groups, including but not limited to English “Language” Learners and students who receive special education services. (up to 300 words)

0 = School does not actively promote equitable access to demographic groups.

1 = The application reflects a limited effort to promote equitable access; however it does not reflect inclusion in their demographic table or narrative.

3 = The application reflects gains made by the schools to achieve equitable inclusion of demographic groups.

5 = The application clearly demonstrates that the school has promoted equitable access to all demographic groups AND has evidence that reflects this.



B. Demographic Profile - 20pts (WS) & 25pts (PWAS)

1. A description of the student diversity plan (if there is a diversity goal) or a description on how student diversity is leveraged and maximized; (up to 500 words)

0 = The application does not describe a student diversity plan or have a description.

1 = The application does not include a school diversity plan; however a district diversity plan is referenced. No description on student

diversity is leveraged and maximized.

5 = The application includes a diversity plan or description that recognizes and values student diversity, however there is limited evidence

that the plan is implemented (no specific school-wide or classroom strategies that promote collaboration or exchange of ideas between

students).

7 = The application includes a diversity plan or description that recognizes and values student diversity with extensive evidence that the

plan is implemented, however no specific school-wide or classroom strategies that promote collaboration or exchange of ideas between

students is present.

10 = The application includes a student diversity plan or description that addresses specific school-wide and classroom strategies that

promote the exchange of ideas and collaboration between students.



cont’d - B. Demographic Profile

2. How the student enrollment reflects the diversity plan? (up to 400 words)

0 = The application does not address or explain how student enrollment reflects the diversity of the district.

1 = The school enrollment data does not reflect the diversity of the district, nor explains why.

5 = The school enrollment data does not reflect the diversity of the district, and an explanation is provided.

6 = The school enrollment data does not reflect the diversity of the district, however is making progress toward the diversity of the

district and an explanation is provided.

7 = The school enrollment data does reflect the diversity of the district, and no additional information is provided.

10 = The school enrollment data reflects the diversity of the district, and the application addresses how the school actively works to

sustain a diverse student enrollment that mirrors the district.



cont’d - B. Demographic Profile

3. Are students selected by a lottery process that does not include academic criteria; (up to 75 words; General Information section)

4. For programs within-a-school, a description on how students in the program and school have academic opportunities to interact; (up to 500 words)

DATA FORM - provided and unprotected5. Current programs within a school enrollment by racial/ethnic categories, and totals (# & %);6. Current school enrollment by racial/ethnic categories, and totals (# & %);7. District enrollment by racial/ethnic categories, and totals (# & %);8. Free/reduced lunch (FRL) eligibility for students in the district/school/program (# & %); OPTIONAL

TIP #2Data tables for #5, #6, #7, and #8 must be completed in the template provided. This information is required and should

serve as a resource and support the ‘demographic profile’ narrative section.



Q: I am in the process of completing the demographic profile for my school. In LAUSD, Filipino is identified, but on your form it is not. Which ethnic category should I group them with? A: Please include Filipino under the Asian category and make sure to provide an explanation in the narrative.

General Questions – Section B.


C. Innovative Instructional Strategies - 30pts

1. A description of how the innovative instructional practices are implemented; (up to 400 words)

0 = The application does not address innovative instructional practices and/or approach or philosophy utilized.

1 = The application mentions innovative instructional practices and/or approach or philosophy; however, it is not described.

5 = The application addresses innovative instructional practices and/or approach or philosophy; however, it is limited to core

classes/subject areas.

7 = The application addresses innovative instructional practices and/or approach or philosophy; however, it is in most core

classes/subject areas.

10 = The application describes innovative instructional practices and/or approach or philosophy; and is demonstrated in all areas

(including content and electives) throughout the magnet program/school.



cont’d - C. Innovative Instructional Strategies

2. How professional development activities enhance instructional delivery, and are aligned with the magnet theme; For example: What are you doing to support your Magnet theme-teacher staff and all other instructional staff to understand the Magnet-theme philosophy/goals & objectives? (up to 350 words)

0 = The application does not reference theme specific professional development for staff.

1 = The application references professional development; however, it is not theme specific (i.e., reading professional development does

not support the theme of the school).

5 = The school offers limited professional development to staff around the theme; however, attendance is optional. PD may also reside

solely in professional learning communities.

7 = The school offers professional development to staff specific to the theme; however, attendance is optional. PD may also reside solely

in professional learning communities.

10 = The school offers extensive professional development specific to the theme and all licensed staff have received training AND it is

embedded into professional learning communities.



cont’d - C. Innovative Instructional Strategies

3. How diversity (ethnic-socio-economic) is infused into the magnet school/program curriculum--not just festivals and/or holidays. (up to 300 words)

0 = The application does not illustrate or address diversity.

1 = The application references an appreciation for diversity; however, it does not describe how it is infused into the program/curriculum.

5 = The school has a few activities dedicated to diversity; however, it does not demonstrate it as part of the curriculum or climate of the

school.

7 = The school has a frequent activities dedicated to diversity; however, it does not demonstrate it as part of the curriculum or climate of

the school.

10 = The school is a model for diversity inclusion and has made it an integral part of the school culture.



D. Student Achievement - 20pts

1. School, district, and state achievement data for enrolled students is disaggregated by race for the last 4 academic years. School must indicate new assessments and provide documentation from the state when data is unavailable. If your state no longer allows the publishing of disaggregated test information, an aggregated template is

provided. (for New & Emerging schools, report data for the years covered in the application) Must use provided template, table is unprotected.

0 = No data or documentation provided.

1 = Minimal data and no documentation provided.

3 = Partial data and no documentation provided.

5 = All data or documentation is provided.



D. Student Achievement

2. Explanation of student achievement data;include graduation rates (if applicable) for 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018; REQUIRED (up to 950 words)

0 = No explanation of student data.

5 = School has shown only one year (out of three) of improvement narrowing achievement disparities.

10 = School has narrowed disparities in achievement for two out of three years.

15 = School has narrowed disparities in achievement for all four years (three-year trend).

Attendance rates have been added to the template this year as an option. Data is used to support the narrative.


TIP #3The student achievement data/documentation provided by the state (to be uploaded) is required, and should serve as a resource AND support D2. in the narrative section.


General Questions – Section D.

Q: Our leadership academies, which are also early colleges, are grades 6-12. Is there the ability to upload multiple data sheets and multiple demographic sheets to speak to their theme? A: Yes, multiple file uploads is available in the online platform for the Student Achievement Data section to account for the different reporting based on grade levels.


Q: What is the Attendance Rate you are looking for on the Student Achievement Data Table? The percentage of students that attend? Also, how do we represent aggregated attendance rate (single number)? It appears that our state did not disaggregate attendance rates (historical years).

A: We are asking for the daily attendance rate as a possible indicator of success you could share. For instance, 95% attendance rate for the year (for previous year).

General Questions – Section D.


DISCUSSION

Section D.


2019 Application GuidelinesE. Parent and Community Involvement - 10pts

1. How partnerships formed with parents, community groups and other organizations connect to and support student learning, and are aligned to the magnet theme (beyond fundraising); (up to 250 words)

0 = The application does not address partnerships that are aligned to the magnet theme and support learning.

1 = The application only addresses parent/family partnerships OR the parent/family "partnerships" are limited to curriculum or theme

related showcase nights.

5 = The application references partnerships with parents, community groups, and other organizations that connect to and support

learning but are not aligned to the magnet theme.

8 = The application references partnerships formed with parents, community groups and other organizations that connect to and

support learning, AND are aligned to the magnet theme.


2019 Application Guidelinescont’d - E. Parent and Community Involvement

2. Two current (2017 or 2018) letters of support for the Magnet Schools of America Merit Award,

one from a parent or parent group AND one from an industry partner/partnering organization –

REQUIRED.

TIP #4 Please secure new letters of support for the 2019 application.

Q: I am in the process of typing up a letter of support for one of the magnet schools looking to be recognized. To whom should the letter be addressed?

A: Please address the letter of support to the MSA Merit Awards Committee | 1909 K Street, NW Suite C-140 | Washington, DC 20006


2019 Application GuidelinesF. Awards and Achievements - 5pts

1. Significant achievements and school awards received during the last three years as covered by the application (receiving a grant is not considered a significant achievement for this specific category). (up to 200 words)

0 = No awards or recognition have been given to the school.

1 = An MSA Merit award has been given to the school.

3 = Awards have been earned by individuals in the school.

5 = Awards have been earned by staff, students, and school-wide recognition has been received.

TIP #5 Make sure to include awards earned by staff, students, and school-wide recognitions.


g. proposal format and Suggestions• Application should be free of grammatical and spelling errors. Application should be

neat, coherent, and organized in a logical format. Submission process is ONLINE only.

• A narrative template is not provided. We suggest writing the application in WORD

(copy/paste as rich text format). This will assist with word count, and grammar/spell

check. Please make sure to review/proof the application in the online platform

before submission. There is NO spellcheck in the online platform.

• Have someone with little/no educational background read your application with the

rubric to make sure all of the information that is being asked is included, is short &

concise, and easy to follow.

• Merit Rubrics – points per section/ability to maximize points.


As you write/review the narrative:Special attention should be given to “describe and highlight” those exemplary and unique aspects of the magnet school/program which are above and beyond program components found in traditional, non-magnet schools.

TIP #1 Make sure to download the merit rubric…Programs Within-A-School v. Whole School

TIP #2 Data tables for #5, #6, #7, and #8 must be completed in the template provided. This information is required and should serve as a resource and support the ‘demographic profile’ narrative section.

TIP #3 The student achievement data template (to be uploaded) is required, and should serve as a resource AND support D2. in the narrative section.

TIP #4 Please secure new letters of support for the 2019 application.

TIP #5 Make sure to include awards earned by staff, students, and school-wide recognitions.


2019 Merit Data Tables RECAP

● Demographic Table WS: FRL is optional

● Demographic Table PWAS: FRL is optional; added note about 20% of student population or 200 student minimum must be in the program

● Student Achievement Data aggregated: asking for four (4) years of data since we are looking at a three (3) year trend; if applicable sections: graduation rates & attendance rates

● Student Achievement Data PWAS: option to upload more than 1 data table

Data Table RECAP 2019 Merit Application


UPDATES & REVISIONS FOR THE 2019 APPLICATION


● Total Points- Whole School (WS) from 115 points to 100 points- Program Within-A-School (PWAS) from 120 points to 105 points

● Section A. Program Overview - Originally 30 points, now 15 points- Combined questions A1. and A3. = A1. Summary of how the vision for the school is related to the theme and aligns with the goals, objectives, and educational activities for the school.

THINGS TO NOTE FOR THE 2019 APPLICATION


● Section C3.How diversity (ethnic or socio-economic) is infused into the magnet school/program curriculum--not just festives and/or holidays.

● Letters of Support... must be current (2017 or 2018)● Word Count... averaged SIX characters per word (spaces not included)

The new platform will track the word count, but NOT cut you off. ONLY the number of words permitted will be reviewed by readers.

UPDATES & REVISIONSFOR THE 2019 APPLICATION


● NEW PLATFORMMSA is streamlining the submission process for all of our awards. We are happy to announce our new partnership with OpenWater.

The new platform is tied to our current database system, Impexium. You must have an active profile in Impexium prior to beginning your award application. Instructions can be found by clicking “Start Your Online Application Today” on the Merit Awards Program webpage or at: https://magnet.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/main/home

QUESTIONS, please email [email protected]

UPDATES & REVISIONS FOR THE 2019 APPLICATION

https://magnet.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/main/home


● Tracks word count. Will allow you to exceed the word count. ONLY the allotted number of words will be reviewed by the readers.

● Only the primary collaborator has the rights to add other collaborators as well as SUBMIT the application.

● Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to make any edits.● If you do not submit the PPT and Video with the online application,

please share the files via GoogleDrive with [email protected]

QUESTIONS, please email [email protected]

NEW PLATFORM



Checklist:❑ Paid 2018-2019 Member of MSA

by Friday, October 12, 2018

❑ I. Cover Page

Q: I would like to ask if the Nominee Assurance & Signature portion of the application is signed by our principal or magnet coordinator?

A: Must be signed by the principal, as mentioned in the paragraph below: Superintendent/Designee Signature.

Q: Is the Superintendent/Designee Signature portion signed by our school superintendent. In the Los Angeles Unified School District it is difficult to meet with the superintendent of schools.

A: The Superintendent/Designee signature may be signed by your District Magnet Director or Associate Superintendent.


Checklist:❑ II. General Information – Will

be completed online during the

submission process.

• Make sure to enter your school name

under the ‘Nominee Name’ field.

• Make sure your magnet school/program

name is submitted as you would like it

printed on materials, if awarded.

❑ III. Abstract

The following nominee/general information will need to be populated during the online submission process:

● School/Program● *This will be used for the plaque, if awarded.● School URL/Website● Grade Level(s)● Elementary or Secondary (includes middle & high schools)● Magnet Theme(s)● Type of Magnet● Whole School Magnet OR Program Within-a-School● School Address● School Telephone/Fax● # of Years as a Magnet● School District● Rural | Suburban | Urban● Principal and Principal’s Email● Magnet Coordinator/Lead Teacher and Magnet Coordinator/Lead

Teacher’s Email● District Enrollment #’s● Whole School Enrollment #’s● Program Within-a-School Enrollment #’s (required for PWAS applicants)● Are students selected by a lottery process: YES/NO? If no, describe

selection process and any variables that impact on magnet school enrollment/acceptance.

● Does the school us academic criteria for admission: YES/NO (i.e., test scores, GPA, etc)?


cont’d…Checklist:

❑ Twenty-second video in m-peg format

scream your theme

❑ PowerPoint slide

magnet program/school name, district,

theme(s), grade(s) and Principal’s name

❑ Submit application online

❑ Upload proper data tables and letters of support

❑ Review application for word count AND grammar and spelling.

❑ Upload and share via GoogleDrive

with [email protected] by

December 28, 2018

❑ Review Disqualification Guidelines *Data Tables and Letters of Support are REQUIRED



IMPORTANT DATES➢ Membership - in good standing for the 2018-2019 year by Friday, October 12, 2018 Contact [email protected] to inquire about membership.

➢ Application Deadline – online submission on or before Tuesday, October 23, 2018 by 11:59pm Eastern

❑ Upload and share via GoogleDrivewith [email protected] by December 28, 2018

❑ Twenty-second video in m-peg format scream your theme

❑ PowerPoint slide magnet program/school name, district, theme(s), grade(s) and Principal’s name




WEBINAR RECORDING▪ Will be emailed to all registrants▪ Posted online at www.magnet.edu▪ FAQs page is available online – check back daily for updates▪ Make sure you have the most recent templates and rubrics

http://www.magnet.edu


QUESTIONSemail: [email protected]

Documents

2019 Merit Award Application Preparing a ... - magnet.edumagnet.edu/files/2018/10/2019-Merit-Webinar_PPT.pdf · 1 = The magnet theme is evident in a limited manner and is not consistent