One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to schools.  That’s why legislators in the 2005 session passed about $92 million in new grants so that school principals can customize the learning experience for their students.

Assembly Education Committee Chairwoman Bonnie Parnell, D-Carson City, made stops in Reno and North Las Vegas in late October to encourage principals to apply directly to the new Commission on Educational Excellence for the funds.

Parnell argues that nobody knows a school’s needs better than its principal and staff.  Legislators designed the funds for principals to think outside of the box and look for students who may not have access to programs that would support or challenge them.

From there, principals can design a special program just to reach those students.

Principals can apply the funds creatively to:

• Challenge gifted and talented students
• Create alternatives for students with behavior problems
• Increase parental involvement
• Immerse teachers in mentorship and leadership programs
• Ease the problems of our larger schools by creating “School within a School” programs

The potential for this money is phenomenal.  For example, Swainston Middle School in North Las Vegas is considering a proposal to buy handheld computer devices similar to Palm Pilots.  Students could download textbooks, create Web-based projects and even edit projects with other peers by synching the computers together.

Swainston’s principal told legislators visiting her school that technology often motivates struggling students.  The idea for handheld devices is just one example of how the grant money could be used in a fresh and innovative way.

Applications for the grants are due in December and will be reviewed at the beginning of the year.

By Kirsten Searer

Communications Director Nevada State Democratic Party