GMS receives Graduate First grant

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville Middle School (GMS) has been selected by the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) to participate in the federally funded Graduate First Project. The program's goal is to increase the graduation rate and close the "achievement gap" for students with disabilities.

The project is administered through the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) by the Division for Special Education Services and Support.

Gainesville High School participated in the program from 2008-2010 and demonstrated significant improvements, according to Gainesville Schools Supt. Merrianne Dyer.

Gainesville Middle School will participate in the two-year project that provides funding for a Collaboration Coach from the Georgia Learning Resource Center, training and support for central office personnel, school leadership teams and teachers to develop and implement action plans. It will also provide support for enhancing family and community engagement. Data will be gathered and analyzed to determine progress and report results.

The Graduate First project' work is coordinated through the National Dropout Prevention Center at Clemson University.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/6/262421