VERO BEACH — The Education Foundation of Indian River County (EF-IRC) is pleased to announce that they have received a $25,000 grant from the John’s Island Foundation to benefit Oslo Middle School.
The funds will be used to purchase mobile devices and digital content licensing. The technology would be utilized to close the achievement gap of low performing, economically disadvantaged children.
This grant project will utilize mobile technology to benefit 8th grade students struggling in the area of science. The portability of these mobile devices will enable the school to utilize these computers for multiple classes within the grade level.
Teachers will receive professional development to learn how to utilize the technology to engage struggling learners.
Students will use the devices in class to display digital content, to research what they are learning, and to apply their knowledge by creating expressive reports through the use of PowerPoint and Movie Maker.
They will also learn how to collaborate with each other to exchange ideas and to share their knowledge.
Technology is highly engaging for students. It is also a means of teaching children how to utilize the digital content that they will be required to use in all classes by 2015.
Helping these struggling students to gain confidence through the use of technology and to become engaged in math and science helps close the achievement gap. It will also enable Oslo Middle School to again achieve its “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education.
The EF-IRC’s mission is to fund unmet educational needs for the School District of Indian River County (SDIRC). The EF-IRC works closely with the Superintendent of Schools to identify funding needs that are aligned with the school district’s long range plans of student achievement.
Two of the Superintendent’s main goals are to reduce the achievement gap of STEM subjects in all subgroups annually and to increase the number of students in all subgroups achieving Level 3 on Florida’s Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
“This grant is another step to providing our students with 21st century curriculum and digital devices. The school district is grateful for the support from the Education Foundation and the John’s Island Foundation,” Dr. Adams said.
To learn more about the EF-IRC, please visit the website at www.EdFoundationIRC.org, send an email to Director@EdFoundationIRC.org, call (772) 564-0034, or follow us on Facebook.
