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For Immediate Release
January 4, 2002
White: Math and
Reading Tutoring Grants Available
Harrisburg – Parents of children
struggling with reading or math can apply for grants of up to $500 to purchase
tutoring services for their children, state Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) said
today.
White said Classroom Plus is a new $23.6 million
program that provides grants directly to parents of children struggling in math
or reading – so they can purchase after-school tutoring services.
"Reading and math are fundamental subjects that students must be able
to pass if they are to have the opportunity to succeed in school and go on to
become responsible, productive adults," said White. "The
General Assembly enacted Classroom Plus this year to help
parents get the help they need for their children as early
as possible – before they fall too far behind."
The grants are available to parents of children in
grades three through six, who in the fifth grade score at the "below
basic" performance level on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
(PSSA), or who in the third or fourth grades score in the bottom quartile on
other nationally recognized standardized tests approved by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education.
Schools can verify for parents whether or not a
child qualifies. There is no deadline
to apply, but grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parents can use the grants to purchase tutoring
services from any provider approved by the state Department of Education.
Children can receive tutoring services individually or in a small, group
setting. Instruction must take place outside the regular school day, such as
before or after school, on weekends, or during the summer.
A complete list of program guidelines and approved
providers can be found at www.essp.org or by
calling the Classroom Plus hotline at 1-800-219-9740. Applications can be obtained through the Classroom Plus hotline.
"This is
targeted help that goes directly to parents, and I urge parents to consider
Classroom Plus if their child is having trouble with reading or math," said
White. "Plenty of students need just a little extra help to
get back on track, and these grants will assist Pennsylvania
families in obtaining that help."
CONTACT:
Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684
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