OSPI: 50 schools eligible for improvement grants

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — State education officials have released their annual list of schools eligible for federal dollars for school improvement.

The 50 Washington schools are eligible for grants ranging from $500,000 to $2 million a year for three years. The U.S. Department of Education will give Washington about $7.2 million to distribute in 2011.

Schools make the list by failing to make adequate yearly progress on math and reading tests, as well as not meeting graduation goals.

Districts that want to apply for a grant must agree to close the school, or transform it under several possible models. Most models include replacing some of the staff and adopting comprehensive school reforms.

Four of the districts with schools on the list have been designed for required action by the State Board of Education. That puts them first in line for school improvement grants. Those districts are Morton, Onalaska, Renton and Soap Lake. Applications for the grants are due by March 4.

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Online:

OSPI: http://www.k12.wa.us/