State Awards $16 Million For School Improvement

State Superintendent Glenda Ritz. (Rachel Morello/StateImpact Indiana)

Fourteen Indiana schools will receive a total of $16 million dollars to raise student achievement at their schools.

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz awarded the grants Wednesday, to the schools, which all have “D” or “F” grades in the state’s school rating system.

“As I travel the state, I see school leaders and educators working every day to improve instruction and outcomes for Hoosier students,” said Ritz, in a statement. “That is why I am pleased to award more than $16 million in School Improvement Grants today to support this important effort.”

School improvement grants are given to schools who say they need more funds to raise measures student achievement, often test scores. Schools receive funds over five years.

Of the 14 schools, Lena Dunn Elementary will implement an early learning model, while the other 13 will implement models to transform their schools.

Edgewood Elementary, in Michigan City, will hire another teacher and consult with school reform agency SchoolRise.

“SchoolRise will come in and help us see where our gaps are,” says Principal Peggy Thomas. The outside agency will also help train teachers and offer additional professional development opportunities.

The D-rated Edgewood will receive $638,884.75, over five years.

Edgewood also plans to buy tablets for every student. These tablets will be used to provide culturally-appropriate readings, says Thomas.

“It’s hard to get enough books, but now we’ll be able to download books,” Thomas says. “And kids will be able to see themselves when they’re reading.

A list of the schools who received five year School Improvement Grants can be found below: