School districts awarded grant funds

Forty-four school districts are receiving approximately $7.3 million in federal Enhancing Education Through Technology (E2T2)/ARRA Round 9 Competitive Grants.

The purpose of the grants is to implement 21st century classrooms using innovative strategies that enhance instruction, facilitate teaching and learning, and improve student achievement. The awards were announced by the South Carolina Department of Education’s Office of eLearning.
Funded projects have to focus on these goals:   
● Improve student achievement through use of technology;
● Assist every student to become technologically literate by the
end of eighth grade; and
● Encourage the effective integration of technology to achieve the first two goals. 

Districts and projects winning grant approval include:

Marion District One (funds awarded: $162,000) The project is focused on fifth-grade language arts and math students at Marion Intermediate School and includes teacher training, equipment and outreach to parents. 

Marion District Two (funds awarded: $200,000) The district is integrating technology into the classroom curriculum in grades K-5 at North Mullins Primary and McCormick Elementary School.
The project calls for teacher training and support. 

Marion District Seven (funds awarded: $225,000) The grant allows the district to provide training for teachers, students and parents and will place a laptop computer in the hands of each ninth grader.