Milwaukee schools awarded $4 million to boost literacy

From the Journal Sentinel. Last Updated: Oct. 6, 2003

The U.S. Department of Education awarded a $4 million grant to seven Milwaukee schools Monday to boost literacy programs for toddlers.

The money, part of a program called Early Reading First, will go to five schools in the Milwaukee Public Schools district and two private schools.

Reading grants from the Department of Education are often associated with an emphasis on phonics and drill-oriented methods of teaching young children reading, such as direct instruction.

MPS Superintendent William Andrekopoulos said the money will be used for books and materials for classrooms at the designated schools; creating computer stations and equipping the classrooms with the latest technology; and up to 100 hours of training for teachers at each school every year.

Engleburg Elementary School, Grantosa Drive Elementary School, Starms Early Childhood Center, Hi-Mount Elementary School, La Causa, Harmon Manor Child Development Center, and Marquette University Child Care Center will receive the money.

From the Oct. 7, 2003 editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/local/states/wisconsin/6948891.htm

MILWAUKEE : City gets $4 million reading grant

Federal officials announced a $4 million grant Monday to enhance reading programs in seven Milwaukee schools.

Milwaukee Public Schools had applied for the money to serve pre-kindergarten programs for 3- and 4-year-olds at four of its schools and three partner schools that are private or charter schools.

The money will pay for hundreds of books in 27 classrooms, advanced training for teachers and services to help parents learn to read effectively with their children, Milwaukee Superintendent William Andrekopoulos said.

"We are making a difference between us and the rest of the state," he said.

MPS was among 30 districts in 18 states that were awarded a total of $74 million for early reading intervention programs, said Darla Marburger, deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Education.