a day ago
Gary schools win $800,000 improvement grant
The Gary Community School Corp. is one of four districts in the state to receive a federally funded Next Generation School Improvement Grant from the Indiana Department of Education.
Renita Craig, director of curriculum and assessment, told the school board Thursday that Gary would receive $800,000 in Phase 1 and be eligible for more funding, from $3 to $8 million, if the district qualifies for Phase 2.
She said Gary was one of 60 applicants.
Craig said the grant's goal is to increase academic achievement and transform the district.
Specifically, the grant focuses on improvement at Beveridge Elementary, Daniel Hale Williams Elementary, Frankie Woods McCullough Academy, and Glen Park Academy for Excellence, according to a release.
The schools are low performers on the state's IREAD exam and the ILEARN math and English proficiency exam.
'The application was quite rigorous,' Craig told the board. A detailed vision, and a designed strategy with a state-approved partner was required. Officials participated in interviews to discuss their transformation approach, she said.
Craig said the district's strategy places a focus on personalized learning for students and staff. Emphasis will be placed on leadership development, including visits to high-performing schools.
More training is planned on the science of reading, a phonics-based literacy curriculum, and family engagement.
