School Improvement Grant Program

Definition

The School Improvement Grant Program is a federal initiative designed to support and enhance the performance of underperforming schools across the United States. This program provides funding for various reform strategies to help these schools significantly improve student achievement, focusing on low-performing Title I schools that need the most assistance. By implementing evidence-based practices and intervention models, the program aims to foster sustainable changes in educational environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The School Improvement Grant Program was established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded through subsequent legislation.
2. Schools eligible for these grants typically have been identified as needing improvement based on state assessments and performance indicators.
3. Funding from the program can be used for various initiatives such as professional development, curriculum redesign, extended learning time, and community engagement strategies.
4. The program emphasizes the use of data-driven decision-making to tailor interventions that meet the specific needs of each school.
5. In recent years, there has been a focus on ensuring that grant-funded initiatives lead to long-term improvements rather than temporary fixes.

Review Questions

• What are some key strategies employed by the School Improvement Grant Program to improve underperforming schools?
  • The School Improvement Grant Program employs several key strategies aimed at enhancing the performance of underperforming schools. These include the implementation of evidence-based practices, professional development for teachers, and adopting comprehensive reform models such as the Turnaround Model. Additionally, schools are encouraged to analyze data to inform their decisions and tailor interventions that directly address their unique challenges. By focusing on sustainable improvements, the program seeks to create lasting change in educational outcomes.
• How does the funding from the School Improvement Grant Program impact accountability measures in education?
  • Funding from the School Improvement Grant Program plays a crucial role in shaping accountability measures within education. Schools receiving these grants are required to implement effective reforms that directly influence student achievement, thus holding them accountable for measurable outcomes. The program emphasizes data-driven approaches, making it essential for schools to regularly assess progress and adjust strategies accordingly. This heightened level of accountability ensures that schools are actively working towards significant improvements in student performance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the School Improvement Grant Program in fostering lasting changes in underperforming schools, considering both successes and challenges faced.
  • The effectiveness of the School Improvement Grant Program can be evaluated by examining both its successes and challenges. On one hand, many schools have experienced significant improvements in student achievement due to targeted interventions and focused resources provided by the program. However, challenges persist, such as the need for sustained funding beyond initial grants and difficulties in fully implementing reform models. Additionally, there are concerns about whether improvements can be maintained once grant funding ends. Overall, while there are notable successes, ongoing support and strategic planning are essential for fostering lasting change in underperforming schools.

Related terms

Title I: Title I is a provision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that provides federal funding to schools with high percentages of low-income students to help ensure all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Turnaround Model: The Turnaround Model is one of the specific intervention strategies used within the School Improvement Grant Program, which involves replacing the principal and at least 50% of the staff in a failing school, among other changes, to create a new culture of success.

Accountability: Accountability in education refers to the responsibilities of schools and educators to ensure that students achieve specific learning outcomes, often measured through standardized testing and performance metrics.