Education Department funds Northwest Reginal Center to Advance Reform Goals and Student Achievement

The U.S. Department of Education has funded the Northwest Regional Center for $1.88 million to provide support to low-performing schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

The funding is part of $52 million allocated nationwide to increase the capacity of states to help districts and schools meet student achievement goals. Fifteen regional centers will provide training and technical assistance to state education agencies in implementing and administering programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Seven content centers will provide research-based information and tools. One center will be established in each of the following areas: standards and assessment implementation, great teachers and leaders, school turnaround, early learning, college and career readiness, innovations in learning, and building state capacity and productivity.

"These centers will help low-performing schools and districts close the achievement gap," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "They provide valuable support of the Administration's P-12 initiatives to ensure that every child is able to receive a high-quality education."

Grantees are required to develop five-year plans for carrying out activities that address state and regional needs.