Educators and students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic will receive support and training from Mississippi University for Women’s School of Education due to a grant from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund.
The $244,035 grant will establish the OWL-STAR (Strategic Training for Academic Results) Project to improve student achievement and enhance teacher effectiveness by providing a comprehensive program of online professional development.
“It’s a stressful time for everyone as we navigate through these unprecedented times caused by COVID-19, but in the midst of it all, academic learning doesn’t hit the pause button. The W’s School of Education envisions strengthening and expanding its current professional learning experiences to embrace the governor’s desire to implement high-quality training for students, parents and educators to support effective online learning,” said Melinda Lowe, School of Education coordinator of education and OWL-STAR Project director.
The online professional development from the program will support the personal and professional growth of The W’s School of Education faculty, staff and students; PK-12 teachers and administrators; and PK-5th grade parents.
The project is expected to increase technical assistance and distance learning support, heighten the importance of mindfulness and self-care and reduce financial hardship in regards to technology needs caused by the pandemic.
“Managing instruction, advising and coaching teacher candidates during this pandemic has presented many challenges. Our faculty has remained focused on its effort to maintain quality and continuity in the program during this unusual time. This grant will further bolster our efforts by providing valuable and professional learning sessions,” said Shelley Bock, School of Education interim department chair.
An additional emergency award of $500 will be made available to students in The W’s School of Education who may not have the technology at home such as up-to-date computers, Wi-Fi and web-cameras needed to access online classes. All undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in the School of Education will receive an email with all the details for applying.
The purpose of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Education Stabilization Fund, under which the GEER Fund program is authorized, is to prevent, prepare for and respond to the novel coronavirus. The GEER Fund program aims to address the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had, and continues to have, on students and parents across the nation. The U.S. Department of Education awarded GEER Funds by formula to the nation’s Governors. Mississippi received an allocation of $34,622,872.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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