COSTA ANNOUNCES GRANT FUNDS TO FUSD FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

FRESNO, CA- Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) announced today thatthe Fresno Unified School Districthas been selected to receive $275,000 in funding under the Development andDissemination Grant Program. The funds will be used towards implementingstandards-based arts in elementary and middle school education.

"Integrating the arts into education is vital to studentslearning experiences. These funds will enable students to improve in academicperformance, creative, and performing skills," Congressman Costa explained.

The Arts in Education Model Development and Disseminationprogram will integrate the arts in areas such as English instruction, visualand thinking strategies, and modeled and coached arts classroom lessons fromCommunity Arts Specialists. Teachers and Community Arts Specialists will worktogether to develop standardized lessons integrated with Houghton-MifflinReading themes.

"While in the program students will have the opportunity togrow in areas such as reading comprehension, literary analysis, and vocabulary.Maintaining these skills will certainly ensure success in their futureeducation and professional career," Costa concluded.

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