DoDEA

ARLINGTON, VA — June 18, 2010 — The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Educational Partnership awarded a $2.5 million grant to the San Diego Unified School District through the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes FY 10 Competitive Grant Program.
The School District serves students from Naval Air Station San Diego and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in the San Diego area.
“Our grant program provides needed funding for schools serving the children of our military service members,” said Dr. Shirley Miles, Director, DoDEA. “These students face unique challenges being in a military family and we are proud to be able to help the school districts that support them.”
Operation Student Achievement, which will be funded by the grant, is a comprehensive approach to improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness in math, science, and technology at nine elementary schools. Program strategies include student instruction using evidence-based math and science curricula and student interventions using research based support and tutoring programs, parent engagement, and sustained professional development.
“San Diego Unified is deeply appreciative of the Department of Defense (DoD) for the grant funding that will allow us to participate in the Operation Student Achievement program,” said Bill Kowba, Interim Superintendent.
“As the Navy’s largest homeport, several thousand military dependent and other high needs children will benefit from the funding of highly valued math, science, and technology interventions and supporting parental engagement and teacher professional development. This is win-win-win for the school district, the city, and our families,” Kowba said.
The amount of the grant awards range from $100,000 to $2,500,000 based on military student enrollment at the target schools. While the aim of the program is to enhance the education of military students, funds may be used to raise student achievement for all students at the schools.
All grants focus on enhancing student learning opportunities, student achievement, and educator professional development at military-connected schools. Some grants also have a counseling component that focuses on easing the challenges that military students face due to transitions and deployments.
While some active duty military families are stationed in overseas locations, the majority live on or near a military installation in the U.S. Approximately 60% of the children of military families in the U.S. are school age and the majority of them attend public schools throughout the nation.
DoDEA’s Partnership program provides information and support to increase understanding of the unique needs of military children as well as academic support to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for military children.
DoDEA’s aim is to enhance the education of military students, but funds may be used to raise student achievement for all students.
DoDEA consists of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools located overseas, and the Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools located in the U.S. and its territories and possessions. DoDEA provides education to eligible DoD military and civilian dependents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.