The Indiana Department of Education, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame, has received a $10 million federal Innovation and Research grant to improve student literacy.
Officials announced the grant at the Jan. 14 State Board of Education meeting.
They said Indiana was one of 10 states receiving the grant this year to improve literacy practices, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Officials said Indiana’s proposal focused on strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction aligned to the science of reading phonics-based approach.
Notre Dame’s model, called Tutor-ND, expands tutoring access by building capacity in schools and community organizations with its training.
“Central to our state’s continued improvement in literacy is bringing everyone to the table to identify and deploy solutions,” said Secretary of Education Katie Jenner.
A release said Notre Dame’s approach has produced strong early outcomes, especially in the science of reading priorities.
“The Tutor-ND program reflects the university’s long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunities through data-driven practices and partnerships that strengthen communities,” said Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
