HR0624 LRB096 14637 GRL 29478 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3 Representatives are pleased to congratulate the members of the
4 Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy of Aurora on the
5 occasion of the school being named the "Star Innovator" among
6 the 6 winners of the 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards
7 on September 15, 2009; and
 
8     WHEREAS, The Schools of Distinction Awards are given by the
9 Intel Corporation to honor schools for implementing innovative
10 math and science programs and for serving as models for other
11 schools; and
 
12     WHEREAS, The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
13 (IMSA) is a 3-year residential public high school located in
14 Aurora, with an enrollment of approximately 650 students; the
15 school was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1985
16 and first opened to students in 1986; students at IMSA take
17 rigorous college preparatory courses, with all classes being
18 taught at the honors level; in addition to the academic
19 program, IMSA also offers over 50 clubs ranging from political
20 groups and religious clubs to volunteer organizations; the
21 school bills itself as an "educational laboratory", and as such
22 is frequently trying out new and experimental pedagogical
23 techniques; and
 

 

 

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1     WHEREAS, The Intel Corporation named IMSA a "Star
2 Innovator" based upon the school's rich tradition of
3 encouraging math and science excellence among its students; at
4 IMSA, students design and conduct hands-on experiments, make
5 observations, analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate
6 evidence-based principles; students also delve into the
7 scientific literature and build understanding by synthesizing
8 information and investigation through writing; these skills
9 and abilities are then extended with electives and through the
10 Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program, in which students
11 partner with cutting-edge scientists on diagnostics,
12 nanotechnology, medical research, and more; in addition, all
13 IMSA students take a "Methods in Scientific Inquiry" skills
14 class, then move on to more rich and varied science coursework;
15 and
 
16     WHEREAS, Throughout its existence, IMSA has provided a
17 consistent, strong education for its students; in 2008, 86
18 percent of IMSA's students scored 3 or higher out of 5 on AP
19 exams; IMSA's highly-trained faculty focuses on their areas of
20 specialization, modeling a depth of investigation and
21 scholarship; every day, IMSA creates exceptional opportunities
22 for young scientists dedicated to improving people's lives; and
 
23     WHEREAS, Each Intel Schools of Distinction award winner

 

 

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1 receives $2,500 from the Intel Foundation when they were named
2 finalists in April; as winners, each school receives another
3 $10,000 from the Intel Foundation plus an award package valued
4 at $200,000 that includes curriculum materials, professional
5 development resources, hardware and software prizes, and
6 services from sponsors; as the "Star Innovator", the Illinois
7 Mathematics & Science Academy will receive an additional
8 $15,000 from the Intel Foundation and additional prizes and
9 services from sponsors with a cash value of $50,000; in total,
10 IMSA will receive a total award of $277,500; and
 
11     WHEREAS, The Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy serves
12 as a model of innovation and academic excellence for the people
13 of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it
 
14     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
15 NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
16 congratulate the members of the Illinois Mathematics & Science
17 Academy on the occasion of the school being named the "Star
18 Innovator" and wish them continued success and happiness in the
19 future; and be it further
 
20     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
21 presented to Dr. Max McGee, president of the Illinois
22 Mathematics & Science Academy, as a symbol of our esteem and
23 respect.