opinion
The Dover Board of Education, staff, and community understand the importance of fiscal stewardship. Quality education at a good value is a top priority. Our District is committed to finding innovative ways to fund learning and provide the level of excellence that our community deserves. Grant money is one way to help maximize the academic potential in our schools, while making the most out of every taxpayer dollar.
We are excited to announce that Dover City Schools has received a $2.1 million literacy grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Education. This four-year grant will provide resources for teachers and students in the area of literacy development.
Dover was selected as a K-12 model site and is one of only two schools in the state of Ohio to receive this grant for all buildings within the district. This means that students in kindergarten through our high school seniors will benefit from these monies.
Dover is putting these precious resources to good use to make a difference for all students. The purpose of this four-year award is to support Ohio schools in improving language and literacy in our state’s children, specifically those students who are typically underserved. The money is allocated for specific use including literacy based professional development, resources, curriculum and academic coaching.
Literacy is more than a school subject; it is the foundation of communication in the digital age. Our students use literacy as a building block for every piece of their academic career. When our students enter life after high school, they will have the tools to be good citizens.
Additionally, this grant will provide funds that will be used to create a more inclusive environment through equity and social justice training. The Integrated Comprehensive Systems for Equity program will be used to fulfill this goal. The program, backed by over 45 years of research, centers around four cornerstones: focus on equality, aligning staff and students, transform teaching and learning, and leverage funding and policy.
This program will help us to identify ways we can improve our curriculum to support all students. Our staff will also receive professional development to walk them through each of the cornerstones. We are committed to improving our curriculum to meet the needs of every one of our students.
Grant funding enhances our ability to push forward in facilities, curriculum, and resources for our schools. This funding also encourages innovative programs and connects Dover staff with other schools who are implementing similar programs. Dover administrators and teachers frequently go the extra mile to fulfill grant requirements in order to provide these opportunities for our students.
Carla Birney is the Dover City Schools superintendent.
More Stories
Colorado K-12 enrollment drops, prompting funding, well-being concerns
Portland school psychologists speak out against cuts, reassignments
With wait lists for emergency child care, Virginia lawmakers could increase funding