By Mary Velan
Gov1
The state and federal funding available for public schools can be used for a variety of initiatives such as new technology, coursework or workforce development.
CPS Tech
Chicago recently received a $38 million federal technology grant that will allow Chicago Public Schools to be fully wired and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and high-speed internet. The funding comes from a Federal Communications Commission grant and will be used to modernize more than 500 schools throughout the city.
The new technology upgrades will connect students with the latest innovations to enhance coursework and provide hands-on experience using modern tools valuable in the workforce. Students will be able to access information instantly throughout the school day as well as outside of school. This will ensure students receive the most out of their education, which will improve academic outcomes.
Furthermore, the modernization strategy is part of the city’s commitment to make computer science a requirement for graduation from Chicago Public Schools, The Chicago Sun-Times reported.
How STEM Is Taught
The National Science Foundation recently awarded $1.2 million to three college professors in an effort to change the way science and technology coursework is taught in public schools. The goal of the innovative grant opportunity is to discover new ways to boost the success rate in STEM subjects when taught in underrepresented communities.
According to the professors at California State University, there is a new theory in teaching STEM classes that focuses on building important skills in children in a younger age. When students are equipped with problem-solving and critical-thinking skills earlier in life, tackling complex subjects such as math and technology is less daunting as they progress through school. The professors want to incorporate more computational thinking in the classroom so students feel comfortable with the topics and eager to experiment and learn.
The research project will focus on 5th and 6th graders and professors will train participating teachers on the new techniques they are testing. The professors will also deploy after-school resources - such as video games - to support STEM teaching and learning. The goal of the project is to understand what it takes to empower students and teachers to increase participation and success in STEM academic programs, particularly in underserved communities.
Immigrants and Low-Income Students
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has allocated a $3.2 million grant to the City University of New York to better educate immigrant and disadvantaged students at LaGuardia Community College. The four-year grant will be used to train 27 Ph.D. students who, in turn, will teach about 2,500 undergraduate students at the Long Island City school. The goal of the program is to diversify the academic staff while encouraging more students to advance to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, NY Daily News reported.