A Massachusetts nonprofit educational group that has developed a program that improves academic performance has been awarded a major $5 million innovation grant, the U.S. Department of Education announced.
The Data Driven School Partnership (DDSP) program of the Bay State Reading Institute (BSRI) was one of only 49 programs in the country selected in a highly-competitive program, which attracted 1,698 applicants from throughout the country.
The funds will enable BSRI to expand the program to 6,800 students in 12 high-need, low-performing schools in Brockton, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Malden, Pittsfield, Taunton and Revere.
An in-kind grant from Boston-based Pearson was key to BSRI’s grant award as each applicant was required to raise matching funds. Pearson will provide the Reading Street curriculum and My Sidewalks intervention program as well as professional development for teachers.
