Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Grants And Instruction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Southwest ISD board approves application for TEA's LASO Cycle 3 grant, targeting math, tech lending and P-TECH pathways
Summary
Southwest ISD approved submitting an application for the TEA LASO Cycle 3 grant to support Strong Foundations math implementation, technology lending, P-TECH pathways and school-improvement supports for identified middle schools.
The Southwest ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve the district's application for the Texas Education Agency's LASO (Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities) Cycle 3 grant. District staff outlined a multi-component application focused on Strong Foundations implementation for math, technology-lending resources, P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) designation support, and school-improvement PLC implementation for targeted middle schools.
Staff described the technology lending component as targeted device and hotspot lending for students in need, and proposed distributing Chromebooks and hotspots by campus size (for example, two large high schools: 100 each; middle schools: 50 each; elementary schools: ~40 each; and hotspots at smaller campuses). The district also proposed using grant funds for approximately 400 interactive display panels concentrated in math classrooms.
The P-TECH portion would support career-readiness pathways and could include industry visits, professional development, and contract services. Staff noted the state allows up to 10 P-TECH awards at around $100,000 and recommended applying to support level-1 certificate pathways with community-college partners.
For K'5 reading and elementary math, staff discussed adopting high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and implementing a Bluebonnet Learning Math adoption (Eureka/Great Minds-adjusted curriculum) and said the district has purchased a 95 Phonics program already arriving at campuses for K'2 instruction. The grant can provide implementation supports, product supports and additional per-student funding tied to HQIM adoption.
The board moved, seconded and approved the LASO Cycle 3 application as presented. Staff said TEA application deadlines are imminent and awards would be announced after TEA review, with negotiations and a final Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) expected by May if awarded.
