CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Most of the Cleveland school system's share of federal Race to the Top money will be used to boost the graduation chances of students at risk of dropping out.
The plan adopted Thursday by the Cleveland Board of Education will use technology, teacher training and other services to help students achieve success and stay in school.
The plan also could benefit gifted students by offering unique courses and extra hours.
Cleveland schools are expected to get about $1.4 million of the $500 million awarded to Tennessee in the first round of Race to the Top. The money will be given to Cleveland in $350,000 allotments over four years.
Cleveland Race to the Top Year One* $72,000 -- Includes online learning, mentors, HomeLink (computers for families) and job apprenticeships at current alternative school.* $40,000 -- Stipends to 52 teachers for summer work sessions to revise guides to reflect new standards.* $15,000 -- Create a paperless classroom for middle school students "on the bubble" of non-proficient and proficient.* $68,000 -- Provide additional instructional time for students at risk of dropping out.* $40,000 -- Partner with Juvenile Court Behavior Unit for behavior intervention for elementary students needing help.* $90,000 -- Funds a consultant to work with literacy leaders to develop a math intervention program for at-risk students.* $25,000 -- Professional development for all teachers in areas of technology, classroom management.* $350,000 -- First year totalSOURCE: Cleveland City Schools
Many exemplary teachers already come to the classroom each day determined to challenge students to succeed, including at-risk students, said board member Bill Brown.
"But we've got to have a cultural change, too," he said.
Director of Schools Rick Denning said he always is shocked with how many students fall behind in their first years, never catch up and then drop out for a job that likely will call for new skills in a few years, skills the person does not have.
"We send infants to the wolves. That's what happens with these at-risk children," Dr. Denning said.
Chairwoman Peggy Pesterfield said the kind of change needed "goes beyond the classroom."
Debby Torres, director of staff development for Cleveland schools, presented the plan, which included recommendations from teachers and administrators, to the board. One major challenge will be transportation for at-risk students, she said.
"Most at-risk students could stay late, but many of them have no way to get home. They ride the bus," she said.
The system has provided citywide school bus transportation in the past, some board members said.
Those extra hours also could be used to offer special courses for advanced students too, they said.
Tennessee was one of two states selected in March by the U.S. Department of Education to receive millions of dollars for school reform. Tennessee received the highest amount, $500 million, while Delaware received $100 million.
Other states will receive Race to the Top funds in future rounds.
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