The Salem School Division announced this week that it will receive more than $200,000 through a mathematics innovation grant funded by the Virginia Department of Education. This significant award will be used throughout all four Salem elementary schools to strengthen math education for students in grades K-5.
“We are beyond excited to receive this funding, and we know this will enhance the excellent instruction our elementary students are already receiving,” said Jennifer Dean, Salem School Division deputy superintendent. “This grant will provide teachers with advanced data analytics for instructional planning and targeted training to support all of our young learners. The money will help us ensure that every elementary student has access to an engaging math education, and we cannot wait to leverage these resources.”
Dean crafted Salem’s grant application along with Becky Stroud, Salem’s elementary math instructional coach, and Alisa Burns, Salem’s secondary instructional coach.
“Congratulations to Deputy Superintendent Dean along with Ms. Burns and Ms. Stroud for securing this grant for Salem,” said Dr. Curtis Hicks, Salem School Division superintendent. “This Mathematics Innovation Grant represents a significant investment in our youngest learners and the teachers who support them.”
Salem will receive $203,847 to support innovative strategies that allow students to improve their grades and their understanding of math concepts. In all, the state is awarding various school divisions $12 million dollars for these purposes.
“Being selected through a very competitive statewide process affirms the strong instructional work that is currently taking place in our classrooms,” said Hicks. “By adopting high-quality instructional materials and providing instruction that is designed to address specific skill gaps and career goals rather than using a one-size fits-all model, we are strengthening math instruction across all our elementary schools and making sure every student has access to engaging, rigorous, and equitable mathematics learning experiences.”
The Salem School Division has now received over $700,000 in grant funding from the VDOE this winter.
-The Salem Times-Register