In an effort to recognize the contributions of John Ourth and  Fred Singleton to the Illinois Principals Association, the IPA Board of Directors unanimously approved the creation of two professional development scholarships in their honor at the IPA Conference in October 2007.  The scholarships are a tribute to Fred and John’s vision for the Association, for their leadership in the creation of professional development for the IPA, and for their enduring devotion to Principals across the state. 

Two scholarships will be awarded each year, one for an elementary principal (K-8) and one for a secondary principal (9-12).  The scholarships will be for a minimum of $500 and will be awarded each year at the Illinois Principals Association Fall Conference. 

Dr. Fred Singleton currently serves as the Field Director for the Illinois Principals Association.  Mr. John Ourth, IPA Field Director North, passed away shortly after the creation of the scholarship on December 10, 2007. 

Please click on the link below for additional information and to access the scholarship application. 
http://www.ilprincipals.org/pages/ipa_scholarship.html

Recognize Your Colleagues' Excellence!

Nominations for the following IPA Awards are due to your Region Directors:

Herman Graves
Partners in Education (Sponsored by Lifetouch)
Innovative Education (Sponsored by Horace Mann)
Community Service (Sponsored by Horace Mann)
Friend of Education (Sponsored by Horace Mann)

More information about the IPA's Awards Program at http://www.ilprincipals.org/pages/awards_program.html.  Do not miss an opportunity to recognize excellence in your profession!

The US Department of Education Releases Interim Report on School Choice

Find the details of the full report click here.

The What, When, How and Why of High Quality Principals

Education leaders, like any highly skilled important profession, benefit from "talking shop" with their colleagues, thus enjoying that whole free flow of ideas thing. In leadership development programs, the use of case methodology offers principals an opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas at a level that improves their effectiveness as leaders. In the latest McREL Insights, Greg Cameron, Cherie A. Lyons, and Jane A. Schumacher examine the role of case methodology in leadership development. To develop true professional wisdom, the writers assert, principals must master four types of knowledge: declarative (knowing what to do), procedural (knowing how to do it), contextual (knowing when to do it) and experiential (knowing why it's important).
To read more click here.

Up to $250,000 per Award to Spark Interest in STEM Fields

The Motorola Foundation's Innovation Generation Grants support programs that use innovative approaches to develop students' interest in science and technology-related fields, while strengthening their leadership and problem-solving skills. In 2007, the foundation provided $3.5 million in grants through the program, which targets girls and minorities who are underrepresented in technology fields in particular. The programs supported by these grants range from after-school and summer science enrichment programs to activities that promote innovative technology use and teacher-training initiatives. Awards range in size from $5,000 to as much as $250,000. Deadline is June 15, 2008. Visit http://www.motorola.com/content.jsp?globalObjectId=355-4865.