Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Actors, artists aim to turn around failing schools
by BRETT ZONGKER
Posted: 04.23.2012 at 7:43 AM
0

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sarah Jessica Parker, Kerry Washington and Forest Whitaker are signing up for a new initiative with the Obama administration to adopt failing schools and help turn them around by integrating arts education throughout the schools.

On Monday, the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities will announce a new Turnaround Arts initiative for eight schools with officials from the White House and U.S. Department of Education.

Artist Chuck Close, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, dancer Damian Woetzel and actress Alfre Woodard also are adopting schools in the two-year program.

Organizers selected low-performing, high-poverty elementary and middle schools to participate. They are in New Orleans; Denver; Boston; Washington; Des Moines, Iowa; Portland, Ore.; Bridgeport, Conn.; and Lame Deer, Mont. Each school was receiving a federal School Improvement Grant to help boost achievement.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Severe storms leave damage across Missouri
Jessica Troike  |  Yesterday at 10:45 PM  |  4 comments
Thumbnail
Severe storms moving into mid-Missouri
Zac Evans  |  Yesterday at 2:35 PM  |  3 comments
Thumbnail
Mother of murder victim speaks out
Mark Slavit  |  Yesterday at 6:02 PM
Follow Connect Mid-Missouri
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Community Connection
Participate in great causes in the community!
Relay For Life of Cole County
Friday, June 7, at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds
ADVERTISEMENT