Coronado Schools Receive $ 2.3 Million Global Language Grant

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The Coronado Unified School District received a $ 2.3 million grant from the Department of Defense Education (DoDEA). The World Language Advancement and Readiness Program grant will “establish, enhance or expand global language programs targeting elementary and secondary school students in schools with a strong connection to the military.”

“We are extremely excited about the opportunities this will bring to our students. The timing is perfect and the emphasis on world language is something our community has expressed a lot of interest in, ”said Director of Learning Dr Megan Battle.

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“Dr. Battle and his department team, including Stacy Morrissey and Julia Braga, submitted the application last summer. Director of Special Programs, Shane Schmeichel will help oversee the implementation and rollout of the grant,” said Superintendent Karl Mueller.

The CUSD has 41% of students connected to the military and has received five multi-year grants from DoDEA since 2009.

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The grant, Project World Language Plus (WL +), will help the district create and expand vertically articulated language pathways in TK-12 classrooms. The district’s elementary school language programs were cut following drastic cuts to funding for California public schools during the Great Recession.

“The opportunities this grant will provide align strategically with our long-term plan. This will help us deliver the experiences we want for our students, today, and not wait for the future and basic aid funding in CUSD, ”Mueller said.

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Initially, a weekly Spanish program will be implemented at Village and Silver Strand elementary schools, and language courses will be expanded at middle and high schools in Coronado, including an opportunity for middle school students to take credit language courses. in high school. The district also plans to hire language teachers, purchase libraries and study programs in Spanish and French, and provide professional development opportunities for staff.

“We look forward to exploring dual enrollment and real-world language experiences and increasing the number of students engaged in these programs. We expect to see a significant increase in the number of military students, and all students, who earn the state seal of literacy after graduating from the CHS, ”said Battle.