THE LOS ANGELES EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP HAS AWARDED nearly $100,000 in Innovation Grants to 93 teams of teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The grants reward creative teachers by putting up to $1,000 directly into their hands in support of efforts to improve student achievement. During the 1998-99 school year, 7,550 students will benefit from the Innovation Grant program.

"We are proud to support all of the 1998 Los Angeles Educational Partnership Innovation Grant recipients in their efforts to make learning come alive for their students," said Peggy Funkhouser, president of LAEP. "The 227 dedicated teachers who received this year's grants are working in collaboration with their colleagues to achieve outstanding results in their classrooms."

The Fund for Innovation Grants provide support for teacher-led efforts to implement significant elements of school reform including the implementation of standards; interdisciplinary instruction methods; and effective efforts to promote parent, community or business involvement. Projects range from the study of ancient civilizations to robotic design. A special emphasis is placed on supporting efforts to improve mathematics and science education through the support of the Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Innovation Grants in Mathematics and Science provided $50,000 in support of 42 classroom projects and engage 99 teachers. These grants will impact the classroom experience of 3,775 students.

Check this Web site in the future for an in-depth look at some of the innovative projects. Meanwhile, check out this year’s grant recipients.