Coveted Golden Bell Awards Presented

The Arizona School Boards Association has been recognizing excellence in education programs with the Golden Bell awards for 34 years. Categories include Elementary, Middle Years, High School and District-wide Curriculum Delivery and Accountability.

The first-place winner in the elementary category is the “Washington Blended Learning Model” from Washington School in the Prescott Unified School District. The components of the model are a collection of well proven instructional practices combined to provide students with both quality and differentiated instruction.

The schedule and instructional programs blend into a 21st Century digital learning experience. Students receive instruction from two content-specific teachers; one specializing in English Language Arts and Social Studies, and the other in Math and Science.

The runner-up in the elementary category is the “Everyone Exploring Enrichment Program” from Senita Valley Elementary School in the Vail Unified School District.

Senita Valley staff believe that every student should be enriched and challenged to move beyond what is normally expected. E3 (Everyone Exploring Enrichment) starts in the heart of the school -- the library. Rigorous student learning centers introduce and reinforce important learning objectives and standards in math, writing, technology, art and more. E3 is where all students explore high-interest lessons that make real-life connections to a vibrant social studies curriculum.

The first-place winner in the middle years category is “Accelerated Math – A Path to Greatness Program” at Pueblo del Sol Elementary School in the Isaac Elementary School District. The district recognizes that in order for students to be successful in the 21st Century, they must be fluent in math, science and technology. District leadership, together with a talented Teach for America math teacher from Pueblo del Sol, were able to not only make the accelerated math program a reality, but a success for 7^th and 8^th grade students. 

The runner-up in the middle years category is the “iChoose Excellence” program at Glassford Hill Middle School in the Humboldt Unified School District. The program focuses on STEM-related enrichment seminars, where students select their own enrichment seminars each semester. 

The winner in the high school category is the “Stars for Students Connection Program” at Benson High School in the Benson Unified School District, which motivates students with high expectations, a positive school culture and a personalized approach. In 2010, perception surveys were conducted to provide the initial drive behind the school culture program to improve results. While student achievement is the focus, building relationships and making student connections was the research-based approach utilized to move the needle of learning.

The runner-up program in the high school category is the Perry High School STEM Diploma Program in the Chandler Unified School District. It is a comprehensive college readiness program for students who will major in STEM-related fields in college. The program offers two types of diplomas – STEM Diploma and a STEM Scholar Diploma. Partnerships have been created with Chandler Gilbert Community College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and ASU Polytechnic campus. 

In the District Curriculum Delivery and Accountability category, the first place winner is “Excelling Educators,” a partnership between the ASU Teachers College and Osborn Elementary School District. For the past 16 years, ASU and Osborn have joined forces to improve teacher and administrator quality, with a specific focus on three programs. The TeachAZ program develops effective teacher candidates through a rigorous teacher preparation experience that includes a senior-year residency program in a K-12 school. The Arizona Ready-for-Rigor Project provides support and professional development for in-service teachers and administrators to impact student achievement. The third program, iLeadAZ, offers aspiring educators a 15-month principal leadership development program, with a full time, 10-month residency opportunity.