Rockford Public Schools leaders received a $1.2 million arts grant. It comes through the U.S. Department of Education. It integrates arts as a way to help students who struggle with math. Administrators hope to kick off the program in January.
According to a news release from the district, RPS was among only eight districts across the country to receive the grant.
The four-year grant will target sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Kennedy and Flinn middle schools. Students who receive two math classes – an additional block to focus on math basics – will receive math classroom instruction that incorporates the arts. A remedial course replaces an elective course. Fifth graders will also work with visiting artists from the community during after-school programming and tutoring sessions.
Administrators hope to expand to other grade levels in the following years.