Federal officials recently confirmed that Ohio will receive $400 million in education grants aimed to boost classroom learning and student growth as well as attracting and attaining valuable teachers.
Officials awarded the grant through the national “Race to the Top” competition. The contest emphasizes designing and implementing rigorous standards and high-quality assessments, support data systems that inform decisions and improve instruction, using innovation and effective approaches to turn around struggling schools and demonstrating and sustaining education reform.
The Ohio Department of Education plans to put the grants to use in a four-year development through its school, district and statewide programs.
Many towns, schools or districts that have received education grants have recently purchased new computers, smartboards or classroom projectors in order to further their instructional methods.
In fact, a recent study conducted by a panel of experts in early childhood research, special education, child development and development psychology found smartboards are suitable for preschool children. The study found only 46 percent of children exposed to smartboards were ready to learn to read in kindegarten at the beginning of the research, whereas 82 percent were capable within the proceeding six months.
