Cobb receives state grant for arts integration

Cobb schools have received a state grant of $652,492 for a new arts program to help early learners in four elementary schools with language and literacy instruction. Courtesy of Cobb County School District

Cobb schools have received a state grant of $652,492 for a new arts program to help early learners in four elementary schools with language and literacy instruction. Courtesy of Cobb County School District

The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement recently announced the Cobb County School District is one of 18 award winners for the Fiscal Year 2017 Innovation Fund Implementation Grant of $652,492.

This grant will help fund KickStART Cobb: Using the Power of Arts Integration to Fuel Early Language and Literacy Development which will serve kindergarten through third grade students by using research-based strategies to integrate the arts into language and literacy instruction.

Through a partnership with ArtsNow: Teaching and Learning Across the Curriculum, CCSD will provide professional development for teachers and support collaboration with community partners such as local artists in residence.

The grant also will fund resource development for school families to reinforce literacy and language development outside of the classroom.

Serving about 2,000 CCSD students and their families and 140 teachers, KickStART Cobb will be implemented in the four elementary schools of LaBelle, Powder Springs, Clarkdale and Kennesaw.