What You Pay For

Seattle  schools get helping hand from NEA

Just ordering educators to close the achievement gaps for minority and low-income students is one thing. Giving them $250,000 with the promise of another $1 million later to work toward that goal is quite another.

Unlike some politicians, the NEA Foundation opted for the latter, giving Seattle Public Schools a $250,000 grant, renewable annually over the next four years, for use in its city schools. Grant money will be used to improve literacy, math, and science achievement; reduce dropouts and truancy; and help end the disproportionate referral of minorities to special education. The money will also help retain quality staff and pay for programs to engage families and the community in education. Seattle  has until 2011 to close the achievement gaps under the grant—a deadline, but one backed up by cold, hard cash.