As teachers, parents, district officials and others concerned about the future of Paso Robles public schools continue to grapple the effects of ongoing budget restraints as evidenced by the last round of cuts being considered at the local level, district officials announced at least one bright spot in an otherwise troubling budget picture for Paso Robles pubilic schools.

The district was selected as a recipient of one of the five available California Math and Sciences Partnership [CAMSP] grants funded by the No Child Left Behind Act. According to district officials, the grant is worth an estimated $2 million in federal funding over the next three years.

The grant is expected to allow the district to act as the lead agency working with Cal Poly and eight other local school districts and private schools "to provide in-depth science training to teachers in grades 3, 4, and 5," according to a media release.

Under the grant, teachers must commit to a three-year commitment from teachers to attend a two-week summer institute each year focusing on California life science, earth science and physical science standards in grades 3 through 5. District officials said that teachers would also receive training on providing science instruction to English language learners.

"The grant will track both teacher and student knowledge to determine the effectiveness of professional development and its impact on students," the release stated.



For the complete article see the 01-29-2010 issue.

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