LEF Awards $320,366 in Grants for 2012-2013

The following information was provided by the Lexington Education Foundation (LEF).

Lexington Education Foundation (LEF), a non-profit organization bringing 21st Century technologies, professional development and innovative instruction into the classroom and the hands of every Lexington Public School student, has awarded $320,366 in grants for 2012-2013.

LEF has united private donations with business sponsorships to offer $149,435 in technology and associated training, $64,620 in professional development, $44,627 in innovative curriculum, and $32,500 in school community grants.

LEF grants fund innovative instruction across a wide spectrum of academic disciplines, technology and training, and professional development. Fellowships are available for teachers to attend courses, seminars, and workshops to improve an educator’s professional practice. School community grants fund smaller-scale educational initiatives or community-building activities at each school.

Among the 33 grants awarded, four of this year’s grants involve iPads, including a pilot iPad program enabling 50 Lexington High School sophomores to access online textbooks, electronic note taking and graphic organizers for writing projects.

“We are thrilled at the prospect of the pilot iPad program,” said Ann Boese, LEF co-president. “Other area high schools have been using iPads for some time now with great success. LHS students will now have the tool that they need to more fully engage in a curriculum – to personalize and self-direct their learning.”

Other program grants include: Student Response Systems (Clickers) for quick feedback and response to student understanding of material presented; the Lexington 300th Town Government Civics Curriculum for eighth-graders; Nature Field Guides for K-5 students; Big Backyard Online Training Video Development; Orchestrating Kids Through Classics Music Program for all third-graders; Read Live specialized online programs for struggling readers; LHS Writing Guide Development; Blended Math Curriculum Design for ninth-graders, and Teenage Brain Advanced Study and Expanded Curriculum Design.

Founded in 1989, Lexington Education Foundation (LEF) is an independent, 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. LEF grants finance educational opportunities outside the school system’s operating budget. Since 1991, LEF has awarded more than $4 million to all nine Lexington schools and the central administration. For more information, go to lexedfoundation.org. Lexington Education Foundation is not affiliated with the Lexington Public Schools.