University Times

Pitt's Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) and its partner urban school districts have been awarded $9.9 million in Technology Innovative Challenge Grants for Teacher Professional Development issued by the U. S. Department of Education. The funds will support extension of the school restructuring activities of LRDC's Institute for Learning through use of the Internet for collaboration among school superintendents, principals and teachers. The Institute for Learning is a nationwide partnership of school districts committed to bringing all students to high standards of learning. Members systems include Pittsburgh, Woodland Hills and Sharon, Pa., and Boston, Camden, Kansas City (Missouri), San Diego, Philadelphia and several New York City community school districts.

The standards adopted by the Institute for Learning schools were established by the New Standards Project, a joint effort of LRDC and the National Center on Education and the Economy. The Technology Innovative Challenge Grant Program supports educators, industry partners, communities, parents and others who are using new technologies to help bring high-quality education to classrooms and neighborhoods.