AmeriCorps to help struggling schools

The nation’s most struggling schools are now eligible to receive help from a new grant program from the U.S. Department of Education.

About 650 AmeriCorps members will provide assistance at an estimated 60 schools during the course of three years to help the schools move forward and receive the resources they need.

The program is currently supported by $15 million from public funds. Interested organizations must apply by April 23, and awards will be announced by mid-July.

“Turning around our nation’s lowest-performing schools is challenging work that requires everyone to play a part — from teachers, administrators and counselors to business leaders, the philanthropic sector and community members,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a press release. “This interagency collaboration will align national service and turn around efforts in schools across the country. I am looking forward to seeing innovative proposals from great organizations that will enable hundreds of AmeriCorps members to serve some of our most disadvantaged students.”

Institutions that receive grants will use them to address problems with school safety, attendance, student learning, discipline and students’ health needs, according to the press release.

Gerardo Gonzalez, dean of the IU School of Education, said the program would be beneficial if the volunteers are brought in as support to teachers but not to replace them.

He said it is important for low-performing schools to hire well-prepared, passionate teachers to take on the challenge of teaching students who come from non-traditional backgrounds and often deal with poverty, single-parent households and language barriers.

“It’s the single most important thing the schools can do,” Gonzalez said.

He recommended schools reach out to the community for resources as well as raise salaries for teachers and appreciate what they do for students. When it is difficult to find teachers to take these jobs, schools must lower their standards. He said the most effective teachers need to be encouraged to teach in these schools.

“We need to change the attitudes around these schools and around teaching,” Gonzalez said. “We need to celebrate what they do.”

— Sydney Murray