The Healey-Driscoll Administration last week announced that it is awarding $3.3 million in Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) III literacy grants to 25 school districts and collaboratives.
One of the recipients is the Lowell Public Schools district, which is receiving $549,500.
LPS will use the grant funding to purchase literacy instructional materials, carefully chosen to both align with existing curricula and support effective instruction and learning for students in grades 5-8.
“Literacy is the foundation of all education,” Superintendent of Schools Liam Skinner tells InsideLowell. “This generous grant funding from DESE makes it possible for the district to ensure equal access to high-quality literacy instructional materials to all middle school students across the district; giving teachers the tools they need to continue to work to close achievement gaps and prepare students for high school and beyond.”
Billerica Public Schools are also included in this funding, receiving $357,050.
“Massachusetts has the best education system in the country, but we know more needs to be done to ensure all of our students have the tools they need to be lifelong readers and learners,” said Governor Maura Healey. “(These) grant awards are a key piece of our administration’s commitment to making sure our school districts have the resources and support they need to improve literacy among their students.”
“Ensuring every student has access to high-quality, evidence-based instruction in literacy is essential for Massachusetts students and families,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Through PRISM III grants, we are providing more students the support they need to excel and thrive in the future.”
In the first year of PRISM III, grant recipients will engage in one of three tracks based on their readiness: preparing to evaluate and select materials, purchasing selected materials, or deepening implementation of materials already in use. All grantees will receive leadership coaching from a DESE-approved PRISM curriculum and instruction coach to analyze current curriculum and instruction systems and to support the establishment of a PRISM Curriculum Council. Recipients can also use the grant for professional learning and for substitute coverage or stipends to compensate educators for their time in support of grant activities.
