Grant For Improving Math Proficiency Awarded To Windsor Locks Schools

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Windsor Locks has been chosen as one of 46 school districts across the state which will share $11.5 million aimed to build and expand high-dosage tutoring through the Connecticut High-Dosage Tutoring Program.

The program launched by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) in March 2023 to target students in grades 6 to 9, with a primary focus on enhancing mathematics proficiency. CSDE initially allocated $10 million from American Rescue Plan Elementary Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funding for the program, but in light of the high interest from districts during the application period, it increased its commitment to $11.5 million, according to a statement from the office of Gov. Ned Lamont.

Windsor Locks is earmarked to receive $130,000 from the grant, which will assist an estimated 263 students.

This strategic investment in mathematics education follows recent data released by CSDE, revealing that while there have been improvements in mathematics proficiency across nearly all grades and student groups over the past year, the state is still striving to exceed pre-pandemic performance levels. Research indicates that in-person, in-school tutoring is the most effective means of addressing learning gaps.

"The need for robust accelerated learning interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has never been greater, and by dedicating this funding to create an intensive tutoring program, we can provide school districts with greater support to identify students who are struggling and connect them with the resources they need to succeed," Lamont said.

"We were truly inspired by the energy, vision, and thoughtfulness displayed in so many of these applications," Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said. "It is evident that district and school leaders are enthusiastic and deeply committed to implementing high-dosage tutoring programs, which research has found time and time again to have a significant, positive impact on accelerating academic recovery for students."

Scheduled to begin by Jan. 2024, the Connecticut High-Dosage Tutoring Program will allocate funding to schools for 2023-24 and the first half of the 2024-25 school year.