HR0624 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0624 LRB096 14637 GRL 29478 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the members of the Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy of Aurora on the occasion of the school being named the "Star Innovator" among the 6 winners of the 2009 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards on September 15, 2009; and

WHEREAS, The Schools of Distinction Awards are given by the Intel Corporation to honor schools for implementing innovative math and science programs and for serving as models for other schools; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is a 3-year residential public high school located in Aurora, with an enrollment of approximately 650 students; the school was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1985 and first opened to students in 1986; students at IMSA take rigorous college preparatory courses, with all classes being taught at the honors level; in addition to the academic program, IMSA also offers over 50 clubs ranging from political groups and religious clubs to volunteer organizations; the school bills itself as an "educational laboratory", and as such is frequently trying out new and experimental pedagogical techniques; and

WHEREAS, The Intel Corporation named IMSA a "Star Innovator" based upon the school's rich tradition of encouraging math and science excellence among its students; at IMSA, students design and conduct hands-on experiments, make observations, analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate evidence-based principles; students also delve into the scientific literature and build understanding by synthesizing information and investigation through writing; these skills and abilities are then extended with electives and through the Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program, in which students partner with cutting-edge scientists on diagnostics, nanotechnology, medical research, and more; in addition, all IMSA students take a "Methods in Scientific Inquiry" skills class, then move on to more rich and varied science coursework; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its existence, IMSA has provided a consistent, strong education for its students; in 2008, 86 percent of IMSA's students scored 3 or higher out of 5 on AP exams; IMSA's highly-trained faculty focuses on their areas of specialization, modeling a depth of investigation and scholarship; every day, IMSA creates exceptional opportunities for young scientists dedicated to improving people's lives; and

WHEREAS, Each Intel Schools of Distinction award winner receives $2,500 from the Intel Foundation when they were named finalists in April; as winners, each school receives another $10,000 from the Intel Foundation plus an award package valued at $200,000 that includes curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software prizes, and services from sponsors; as the "Star Innovator", the Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy will receive an additional $15,000 from the Intel Foundation and additional prizes and services from sponsors with a cash value of $50,000; in total, IMSA will receive a total award of $277,500; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy serves as a model of innovation and academic excellence for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the members of the Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy on the occasion of the school being named the "Star Innovator" and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Max McGee, president of the Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy, as a symbol of our esteem and respect.