Smith High Receives Grant for Smaller Learning Communities

The School Will Receive More Than $600,000 from the U.S. Department of Education

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 8/7/2008 9:37:12 AM

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Education, Smith High is one of only 43 schools nationwide to receive the Smaller Learning Communities grant. Smith will use the grant to promote reading among students and to encourage an environment where teachers use innovative curriculum to engage each student.

“I believe all children must be good readers in order to be successful in school and in life,” said Dr. Noah Rogers, principal of Smith. “Our goal with this grant is to make all of our students ‘readers for life.’”

For the first three years, Smith will receive $636,288 with the potential to receive more than $1 million over five years. The grant will allow the school to hire two curriculum coaches in science and social studies, purchase computers/equipment for curriculum changes and new course offerings and purchase supplies that will assist in linking career-related themes into the classroom. Smith will also implement Read 180, a proven reading intervention program.

Last year, Smith opened a ninth-grade academy to focus on meeting the needs of incoming students. The grant will support this academy, as well as allow the school to offer smaller, more focused career academies for all students.

Rogers explained that research-based training and curriculum for teachers, along with the structure of the academies, will help to create an environment where each student is motivated and feels there is a caring adult there to help if needed.

“The plan to create smaller learning communities at Smith will help meet AYP goals, increase the number of students attending post-secondary schools and improve the relationship between the school, parents and the community,” Rogers said.

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