Atlanta Independent School District was recently awarded Math Innovation Zones planning grants by the Texas Education Agency. The district is one of 15 statewide to receive the funding, which will help guide it in establishing blended learning classrooms at the middle, elementary and primary schools. The MIZ planning grant will be $125,000, and the implementation grant will be $150,000.
Through the grants, TEA supports schools in the creation and expansion of high-quality blended learning programs aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards. Math Innovation Zones are designed to help schools improve academic outcomes in math at all grade levels.
Sidney Harrist, AISD Superintendent, said creating blended learning classrooms can be very challenging for teachers.
"We have been researching this concept recently, and this grant is a perfect fit for us," he stated in a press release. "With the support and guidance provided, we will be able to apply blended learning in pre-K through eighth grade. We currently have some excellent pockets of blended learning in our schools, and they continue to have great success. This grant is an excellent opportunity for all of our students to have access to the latest research and the very best instructional methods that we can provide, especially in math, where it is so vital that they comprehend and excel. We want our teachers to feel secure and supported with high-quality professional development, our project sustainability to be properly planned and our technology infrastructure to be optimal for learning. The MIZ grant will provide a technical assistance network of experts in these fields that will guide and support us in this huge effort."
Beginning in fall 2019, kindergarten, third grade and sixth grade will have blended learning classrooms, with expansion to the pre-K through eighth grades over the following two years. The MIZ project manager will be Liz Booth, a math specialist at Atlanta Elementary who has extensive experience in math instruction, data analysis and leadership. She, along with AISD principals, math teachers and district leaders, will attend the MIZ Summit in Dallas Monday and Tuesday,.
The use of blended learning programs has led to impressive improvements in both student- and teacher-focused outcomes, particularly with regard to closing achievement gaps between students, according to TEA's website. The MIZ program offers a state-approved online curriculum and a robust technical assistance network of experts. Blended learning has roots in online learning and represents a fundamental shift in instruction. Although the district has been using computers and technology for some time, this funding will provide the training and tools needed to use technology to provide students with a true blend of instruction.