The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) today announced the 12 finalists for the second annual SCORE Prize Award. The Prize is awarded to the elementary, middle, and high school, along with one school district in Tennessee that have most dramatically improved student achievement. The winners of the SCORE Prize will be announced at an event at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Monday, October 8 at 6:00 pm, which will be hosted by SCORE Chairman and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Tennessee Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman will make remarks during the event. The 2012 SCORE Prize finalists are: Elementary Boones Creek Elementary, Washington County Schools John Sevier Elementary, Maryville City Schools Pigeon Forge Primary, Sevier County Schools Middle Power Center Academy, Memphis City Schools Rose Park Math/Science Magnet School, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Southside Elementary, Henderson County Schools High Covington High School, Tipton County Schools Fayette Ware Comprehensive High School, Fayette County Schools Ravenwood High School, Williamson County Schools District Hamblen County Schools Maryville City Schools Tipton County Schools “The SCORE Prize is awarded to recognize tremendous success in preparing students for the future,” said SCORE President and CEO Jamie Woodson. “Each of the 2012 SCORE Prize finalists has made significant strides in raising student achievement levels. All 12 finalists, as well as the communities that support them, should be proud of the progress their children are making. Their work demonstrates that meaningful improvement in public education is possible.” The SCORE Prize will award $10,000 to the elementary, middle, and high school and $25,000 to one district in Tennessee that have most dramatically improved student achievement. Winners and finalists are also highlighted by SCORE throughout the year. Winners are chosen in a two-step process. The first stage identified finalists through a weighted criteria selection process that took into account TVAAS growth and TCAP improvement. This process also factored in attendance rates and socioeconomic status. College-readiness data, such as ACT and college-going rates, were considered for high schools and districts. The second stage will consist of site visits to the finalists to document the policies and practices that have enabled them to make significant gains in student achievement. The SCORE Prize event is being held in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Education’s annual Education LEADership Conference (LEAD). To reserve free tickets for the SCORE Prize event or learn about the 2011 finalists and winners visit www.tnscore.org/scoreprize.