SAN DIEGO – (Thursday, January 14, 2010) — “We are finding more and more proof every year that achievement gaps can be eradicated and children in urban centers can attain academic excellence,” affirmed Dr. Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of NCUST.

Twenty-five Finalist schools were chosen from among the 45 Honor Roll schools to compete for the Fifth Annual National Excellence in Urban Education Award.  Dr. Lynne Perez, NCUST Senior Researcher, explained, “ We are on a mission to identify the best of the best!” Ten schools will be selected as winners.

At least 50 schools are vying for the recognition of the NCUST Excellence in Urban Education Award. In January our evaluation teams will head out across the country to visit the top contenders and select the best of the best. Applications have been received from Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Check back here in January for list of the Honor Roll Schools that meet our challenging criteria.

The A-PLUS Network (Advancing Principal Leadership in Urban Schools) is a two-year program that engages principals in solving specific achievement challenges that confront their school.  The program integrates on-site problem analysis, peer review and analysis, and consultations with principals of high-performing schools in a manner that supports principals in attaining improved learning results associated with a specific achievement challenge.  Download brochure.