News Release: $2 Million Grant Awarded to San Diego Unified to Enhance Math Strategies at Military-Connected Schools
January 24, 2024
San Diego – The U.S. Dept. of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has awarded San Diego Unified a $2 million grant to accelerate rollout and implementation of math strategies at five elementary schools and one middle school with a minimum of 10% military-connected students.
The goal of the Operation LEAAP (Learning Experiences Advancing Academic Progress) grant is to collaborate with San Diego Enhanced Mathematics in modernizing mathematics in grades 3-8. The approach is to expand and enhance problem-based classroom instruction and student-centered instructional strategies that incorporate hands-on experiences.
Among other things, the grant will create community partnerships, and provide tutoring for students as well as professional development opportunities for teachers at Crown Point Junior Academy, Fletcher Elementary, Hancock Elementary, Miller Elementary, Perry Elementary and Taft Middle School.
“San Diego Enhanced Mathematics is excited to support the Operation LEAAP grant by collaborating with selected school sites to modernize math instruction,” said Julie Garcia, San Diego Unified Senior Director STEM. “Through implementing a broad and challenging curriculum that includes engaging instructional strategies, we hope to promote hands-on learning experiences that help students find success and joy in their mathematics classrooms.”
San Diego Unified’s mathematics department and district leadership continuously seek innovative ways to build teacher capacity to elevate students’ mastery within mathematics. It is expected that 82 elementary school teachers and five middle school teachers from the identified campuses will benefit from grant-funded professional development, aligned with district goals, during the grant period.
Operation LEAAP will infuse research-based strategies that elevate student engagement in mathematics in high-needs schools with a population that includes at least 10% military-connected students to promote mastery of the subject matter, leading to matriculation into honors and advanced placement courses in high school and postsecondary readiness.
DoDEA’s Education Partnership and Resources Division strives to ensure all military-connected K-12 students have access to quality educational opportunities through engagement in partnerships with school districts and professional organizations. The division provides school personnel and stakeholders with evidence-based resources and supports to increase understanding and awareness related to the unique challenges faced by military-connected students and families. Learn more about the DoDEA grant at dodeagrants.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Public Information Coordinator Mike Murad, [email protected]
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