Chattanooga Public Library, HCS partner to expand e-book access
Chattanooga Public Library and Hamilton County Schools are expanding access to e-books and digital audiobooks through a reading app called Sora.
The app enables students to borrow books from their schools and access the library's digital content with their school IDs instead of a library card.
"Students can now easily access our digital book collection with their student IDs, and we can ensure that our e-book and e-audio collection offers everything on the K-12 curriculum lists," said Lee Hope, Chattanooga Public Library's head of children's services, in a written statement. "With student checkouts on the rise since January, we're already seeing the success of this partnership."
Students can access the young adult and juvenile digital collections through the app, as well as the school's collection of books for class and for pleasure reading.
Tennessee STEM Virtual Innovation Summit set May 20-21, 2021
The Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit will be held virtually on Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21.
The event, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and engagement, includes several 45-minute learning sessions that require pre-registration and follow certain focus areas, including Innovative Instructional Strategies, Engaging Underrepresented Groups, Computer Science and more. Also, some prerecorded sessions will be accessible throughout the event.
Registration for the summit is free for Tennessee residents and educators and will remain open until the day before the event or until the event reaches online capacity.
Hamilton County Schools creates Math Matters program
Hamilton County Schools has developed a new program, Math Matters, to strengthen students' math skills.
The program will combine games with traditional math lessons to focus on competency, fact fluency and word problems. Students will earn incentives and points as they progress through lessons.
Math Matters is accessed through the Classlink website and tracks students' progress and participation each time they log in.
"The goal of Math Matters is for all students to engage in math skills daily and grow their math fluency. Our district is committed to accelerating student achievement, and we believe this new program will help narrow achievement gaps in Hamilton County Schools," Superintendent Bryan Johnson said in a written statement.
Tennessee education department opens applications for $14 million grant for Innovative High School Models
A new grant from the Tennessee Department of Education has launched a $14 million grant opportunity for a new program geared toward preparing students for high-demand job fields.
"The Innovative High School Models program will build upon Tennessee's history of collaboration between K-12, postsecondary and industry to create, strengthen and expand local partnerships that help students be ready for success during and after high school," state Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn in a written statement.
The program will award 10 to 20 school districts with grants ranging from $750,000 to $2 million to develop these partnerships.
The application guide is available on the TDOE website, and key dates include the notice of intent due April 15 and an application due date of May 7.
Contact Anika Chaturvedi at achaturvedi@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592.