AccountAbility block GrAnt

20082009 MID-YEAR REpoRt

AccountAbility block GrAnt
In 2004-05, Governor Rendell and the General Assembly launched the Accountability Block Grant, a landmark
investment, that has provided more than $1.2 billion to Pennsylvanias school districts over the past fve years.
Te Accountability Block Grant ensures that taxpayer dollars are invested in the programs most likely to increase student
performance. In 2008-09, Pennsylvania school districts invested ABG funding in the following strategies that are proven
to boost student achievement and give Pennsylvania schools the edge they need to prepare students for the global
economy:
E ARLY E DUCAT I ON P ROGRAMS
$202,145,751 Invested 71,579 Students Served
Pre-Kindergarten Programs
High quality Pre-K programs give Pennsylvanias youngest citizens the skills and experiences they need to be successful
in school. Tese programs, which are aligned with Pennsylvanias Early Learning Standards, reduce the need for
special education, support parents and families and put our children on-track to achieve.
Full-Day Kindergarten
Full-Day Kindergarten provides students with more opportunities to learn and interact with their peers
during critical developmental years. Full-Day Kindergarten ensures that each child receives the social,
emotional and academic foundation necessary for future success in school.
Class Size Reduction
With Block Grant funding, districts can reduce class size to one teacher for every 17 students, or
two teachers for every 35 students in kindergarten through 3
rd
grade. Smaller classes mean more
individualized attention for each child and his/her particular needs.
AccountAbility block GrAnt | 20082009 Mid-yEAr rEport
S UP P ORT F OR S TRUGGLI NG S TUDENTS
Tutoring Assistance
$10,437,534 Invested 136,014 Students Served
Some students need extra help achieving in school. With Block Grant funding, students who struggle can
receive at least 45 hours of personalized instruction in math and reading before school, after school, during
study periods and/or over the summer months. Tis gives them the academic confdence they need to stay
in school and be successful.
Academic Performance of Student Subgroups
$12,407,230 Invested 45,837 Students Served
Te federal No Child Left Behind Act requires that all students, regardless of background, condition or
circumstance receive the supports they need to reach state learning standards. Some students, such as those
that do not speak English as a frst language, may require supports and services to reach the standard. Block
Grant funding helps ensure districts can provide these vital resources to all of their students.
E NHANCI NG T E ACHE R QUAL I T Y
Literacy and Math Coaching
$23,250,913 Invested 260,437 Students Served
Literacy and math coaching programs provide teachers with individualized and job-embedded professional
development aimed at increasing student achievement. Districts can use Block Grants to implement these
high-quality coaching programs in math and literacy..
Professional Development
$5,286,510 Invested 389,184 Students Served
Many factors infuence the success or failure of students, but studies have shown that one of the most
important factors is the quality of the teachers who instruct these students. With Block Grant funding, districts
can provide innovative professional development opportunities for teachers and school leaders such as how
to best analyze and use student achievement data; how to incorporate technology into instruction and how
to implement research-proven classroom management strategies.
AccountAbility block GrAnt | 20082009 Mid-yEAr rEport
S UP P ORT F OR P ROVE N P ROGRAMS
Science and Applied Knowledge Skills
$6,180,734 Invested 85,713 Students Served
Students learn better by doing. We know this from successful programs like Classrooms for the Future, where student instruction
is driven by real world, hands-on activities. With Block Grant funding, districts can provide this hands-on instruction in science and
technology to their students. Over 80 percent of districts report evidence of increased student interest in science and technology
with this type of instruction.
High School Reform
$851,089 Invested 11,494 Students Served
One in three of Pennsylvanias high school graduates enrolled in a state university or community college needs to pay for remedial
courses for material they should have learned in high school. Districts use Block Grant funding in high schools to implement
proven programs that strengthen academic rigor and increase the learning opportunities for all students. Tese programs include
ofering new high school courses in every content area, school-based counseling, dual enrollment opportunities, career exploration
and professional development for teachers.

Other New Curriculum/Course Oferings
$544,045 Invested 27,414 Students Served
We must give our students the skills they need to be competitive in a global economy. Tis means expanded course oferings, like
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, and cutting-edge curriculum.. Currently, almost 20% of Pennsylvanias
high schools ofer no Advanced Placement courses. Block Grant funding is changing this by allowing districts to expanding course
oferings in reading and language arts, math, science and social studies.
Career Awareness Education
$77,721 Invested 5,760 Students Served
Preparing high school students academically is only part of the equation; students must have opportunities to investigate diferent
career paths, allowing them to determine their postsecondary and career goals. Block Grant funds are available for school
districts to fund career awareness education, implement career exploration software programs and build partnerships with higher
education, local business leaders and community agencies.
World Languages in Elementary Grades
$627,538 Invested 6,569 Students Served
Students are more likely to learn and retain a second language when they begin in elementary school. Block Grant funds support
world language programs in the elementary grades by funding immersion classrooms or separate periods of language instruction.
Elementary Science Education
$161,731 Invested 13,201 Students Served
One in fve American jobs requires intensive math and science training. Tere is no question that we must foster the appreciation
and mastery of science early on with our students. Block Grant funding allows districts to develop and expand their elementary
science programs and provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn the joy of science.
Social and Health Services
$6,162,080 Invested 105,141 Students Served
Students cannot learn if they are hungry, tired or scared. Districts may use Block Grant funds to support the coordination of social
and health services designed to meet the basic needs of children and families. By meeting these needs, students can come to
school focused on learning and on their academic achievement.
Research-Based Improvement
$3,292,124 Invested 46,662 Students Served
Each school district understands the unique needs of its own district. In recognition of this, some Block Grant funding is given to
districts with the fexibility to choose any research-based program and/or promising practice that is supported by clear evidence
of results in student achievement.