Software to help increase student achievement in math, speech, science and English at Lapeer West and an after-school support program to help students struggling with mathematics at Lapeer East are the newest recipients of 2009-2010 Innovative Instructional Programs grants.
The Board of Education recently announced the two grants totaling $7,702. Funds for the programs come through Michigan grants.
“Turning Points” software will assist Lapeer West High School teachers in making immediate changes in teaching decisions based upon student success and comprehension of data in math, speech, science and English.
“On the spot” assessments will also be used to improve comprehension through the use of the software.
The $3,600 West grant was proposed by teachers Ted Tomczyk, Andy Roberts and Erica Niemi.
At Lapeer East a $4,102 grant was awarded to “Project Success” an after-school support program twice a week to help at-risk students stay on track for graduation through the help of highly qualified math teachers. The teachers will front load new math concepts to prepare students to handle those as they are introduced in the math classroom.
Project Success was proposed by East counselors and teachers: Susan Wilmers, Dennis Warner, Jeff Lorenz, Jan Ciaramella, Devin Palmer, and Susan Wheatley.
In 2006, the Board of Education decided to commit outside grant funding annually to support the use of Innovative Technology and Instructional programs in classrooms through a competitive application process. This year the program was expanded to include other innovative instructional ideas not related to technology.
“The Board of Education is proud that we established the grants to improve the educational opportunities for our students,” said Board President William Laidlaw. “Our faculty is to be praised for integrating technology into our classrooms. We also thank the community for passing the bond that allows new technology to be a major part of the educational process at Lapeer Community Schools.”
