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SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that California was awarded a five-year, $11 million federal grant to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

The California Department of Education is part of the Improving Special Education Services (ISES) Partnership that submitted the State Personnel Development Grant application last March to the U.S. Department of Education. These grants must be used to fund teacher training and other related activities designed to improve education for all children, with a particular focus on better results for individuals with disabilities.

"California's grant application won the highest ratings and highest funding from federal reviewers in this national state education agency competitive award process," said O'Connell. "The distinction partly results from years of our effectively working in partnership with local education agencies to improve the results for students with disabilities."

ISES developed the work plan for the grant with input from parents, educators, and interested community members across the state. The grants would provide support to local education agencies, particularly in two areas: Personnel development training and technical assistance would promote effective reading instruction and positive behavior supports that use scientific/evidence-based instructional practices. Also, the recruitment/retention of highly qualified special education teachers would improve student academic success outcomes.

Local education agencies may find information about this grant at CalSTAT Technical Assistance and Training [http://www.calstat.org/sigPcse.html] (Outside Source).