The US Department of Education has begun a campaign to help troubled school districts across the country by setting up 22 Comprehensive Centers nationwide. A $56 million grant was allocated to create the national network. These centers are designed to assist state agencies in implementing new programs that will come out of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
“These centers will help low-performing schools and districts close the achievement gap,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “They provide valuable support of the Administration’s P-12 initiatives to ensure that every child is able to receive a high-quality education.”
The University of Oklahoma will receive two Comprehensive Centers and a combined grant of $3.77 million. The Central Regional Center will be set up to aid Colorado, Kansas and Missouri while the South Central Regional Center will service Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma. The centers will help gather and share statistics, reports, connect education officials from multiple states. The increase in quality data and successful initiatives should help improve the overall education system and allow districts who are currently struggling a pathway to improvement.
Other institutions charged with implementing the comprehensive network include WestEd, ICF International, RMC Research Corp, Education Northwest, Rutgers University and Temple University. To read more about the Elementary and Secondary Education act, started in 1970 and the latest proposals, or to follow the latest press releases by ED, visit the US Department of Education Website.