International Baccalurette Programs Heat Up Charlotte

Davidson IB Middle Wins Schools of Distinction Awardeducation innovation.
The science program at Davidson IB Middle, one ofWhat Does Winning Mean for Davidson and Charlotte
the schools in the Charlotte - Mecklenburg area, hasSchools?
been recognized as a School of Distinction by IntelAs recipients of this prestigious award, Davidson IB
and Scholastic. Intel, the world renowned computerMiddle will receive a $10,000 grant from the Intel
chip maker, and Scholastic, a leader in textbooks andFoundation and several other prizes ranging from
educational materials, chose Davidson for honors incurriculum materials and professional development
the field of science achievement, bringing both prideresources to computer hardware and software. All of
and bragging rights to Charlotte schools. As thethese things will help Davidson stay on the cutting
principal of Davidson states, "This award is aedge of science education and fulfill the goal of
testament to the dedication of my students,constant improvement and innovation in educating
teachers, parents and the community. My entire stafffuture scientists. In addition to these monetary
works together to make sure our students get anprizes, the school also puts Charlotte schools in the
excellent education."map as a place of science and math strength among
How Davidson was Chosennational secondary schools.
Intel and Scholastic seem to agree. They awardedWhat's Special About Davidson
Davidson the Schools of Distinction Award afterDavidson is one of many Charlotte schools that is
evaluating the school on a number of criteria. Amongtaking the forefront in science education and it
other things, Davidson showed its strengths inshows. While Davidson has won national recognition
strategies for incorporating critical thinking skills; handsfor its programs, the real work is the daily learning
- on investigative experiences, and project - basedthat takes places at Davidson and other Charlotte
learning. Davidson, like other Charlotte schools, isschools. As part of the International Baccalareute
challenging the next generation of scientists andProgram, Davidson focuses on providing real world
engineers with its comprehensive science program.connections between textbook learning and
The Intel and Scholastic award will help the school toapplications. Some of the projects done at Davidson
further its science education goals and set a positiveserve as a model for other Charlotte schools. These
example for other Charlotte schools in the areas ofprojects included using a special backyard stream to
science education.learn about biology as well as real world chemistry
The winning schools were chosen in each of theapplications, such as water quality tests.
following eight categories: academic achievement,Davidson is lucky to have many local community
literacy achievement, mathematics achievement,partners to help in its quest for high level science
science achievement, technology excellence,education. As a Charlotte school, Davidson works
leadership excellence, professional development, andalongside Davidson College on environmental studies
collaboration and teamwork. Davidson, as anprojects with university professors and resources.
exceptional Charlotte school, looks forward to usingBecause of its unique position, Davidson has won
this award to help continue to build a competitiveboth state and national competitions, leading to its
science program and lead the nation in sciencerank of 15 overall in the United States.