U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARDS GRANT TO WCPSS MAGNET SCHOOLS

The Magnet Programs Office of the Wake County Public School System has been awarded a three-year federal magnet school assistance grant by the U.S. Department of Education. The first year’s funding will total $3,582,151.

WCPSS is one of 41 school districts in 17 states to receive the awards, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The funds are available to help school districts establish new magnet schools or significantly revise existing magnet schools. The Magnet Schools Assistance Program is authorized under Title V, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Act, as amended in 1994 and is administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement.

The WCPSS grant for 2007-10 revises three existing magnet schools.
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As part of the grant, Southeast Raleigh High School will implement project-based learning supported by an adaptation of the New Tech High School model, as well as strengthen students’ leadership and life skills.

Garner High School will add a cultural arts program to complement the existing International Baccalaureate model and will provide students with opportunities that develop awareness and appreciation for different cultures.

East Garner Middle School will enhance its International Baccalaureate program with an electronic student portfolio and personal project, using an interdisciplinary approach to teaching through the arts and expanding intercultural awareness. Principal Cathy Williams says East Garner will build partnerships with schools in other countries to help students and staff develop international understanding.

Significant revisions in these schools will strengthen the district’s ability to attract and maintain diverse school populations, increase the achievement of students who attend the project schools, and provide students with greater access to quality programs.

WCPSS PODCAST
After four years of hard work at East Garner Middle School and Garner High School, the two schools celebrated earning authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization for the Middle Years IB Programme today with a reception attended by Garner community leaders and WCPSS educators.

Principals Michael Holton of Garner High and Cathy Williams of East Garner Middle School talk about earning authorization, the International Baccalaureate program and the impact of their schools receiving funds from the federal Magnet Assistance Grant.

Click here to listen to WCPSS Podcast: IB Authorized in Garner This is an 11 minute mp3 file