MA schools to get $58-million in funding
Senator John Kerry announced Monday that Massachusetts will receive more than $58-million in federal funding to help turn around the state's persistently lowest achieving schools.
The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Education's School Improvement Grants (SIG) program and is made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The money will be distributed by formula to the state and will then be offered to school districts that apply. In order for a school district to apply, it must be identified as "persistently lowest achieving" or be a Tier III school -- a school that has failed to meet adequate yearly progress for two years and is not identified as a persistently lowest achieving school. The state's Tier III schools however will only receive funds once all of the state's persistently lowest achieving schools have received funds.
School districts will begin the application process this spring. Once schools receive SIG funds, they will be able to begin to spend them immediately to turn around schools.
"This investment will allow us to continue to close achievement gaps and make sure that every single student receives a world-class public education. It means more qualified teachers, better curricula, and additional help for school districts across the state," said Senator Kerry. "I'm grateful that the Department of Education provided Massachusetts with the resources it needs to ensure our children receive a high quality, top-notch education."
The money will be distributed by formula to the state and will then be offered to school districts that apply. In order for a school district to apply, it must be identified as "persistently lowest achieving" or be a Tier III school -- a school that has failed to meet adequate yearly progress for two years and is not identified as a persistently lowest achieving school. The state's Tier III schools however will only receive funds once all of the state's persistently lowest achieving schools have received funds.
School districts will begin the application process this spring. Once schools receive SIG funds, they will be able to begin to spend them immediately to turn around schools.
