New grant targets improvements in math and chronic absenteeism for Richland Two students

A grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is providing resources for Richland School District Two to launch the Helping Hands Coalition project in 14 schools and centers. The $2 million grant will impact approximately 11,371 students at the Center for Achievement, Bethel-Hanberry Elementary, Bookman Road Elementary, Bridge Creek Elementary, Catawba Trail Elementary, Lake Carolina Elementary Upper, Lake Carolina Elementary Lower, Langford Elementary, Round Top Elementary, Blythewood Middle, Kelly Mill Middle, Muller Road Middle, Blythewood High and Westwood High schools. Military-connected students make up between 10 to 18 percent of the student population at each of the schools being served by this grant.

According to Dr. Arlene Bakutes, Director of Grant Initiatives, the purpose of the project is to use research-based strategies to prepare a solid foundation for students with knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for successful future engagements.

“The Helping Hands Coalition project has three defined goals to address math achievement, reducing chronic absenteeism and improving parental and community engagement. Resources will be provided to address core content learning gaps due to relocations and to ensure transitioning military-connected students can increase educational continuity,” said Dr. Bakutes.

Project activities will include providing in-class curriculum instruction support, after school tutoring, attendance intervention services, and increasing organizational capacity. The grant will also establish a Family and Community Engagement Center.