The state Department of Education has awarded a three-year, million dollar grant to Lake Tahoe Unified School District which will create opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional development for teachers in grades three through eight.

The California Mathematics and Science Partnership (CaMSP) program seeks to establish partnerships to improve the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science.

LTUSD, in partnership, with Salida District and Modesto City Districts in Modesto, and Lincoln District in Stockton, applied for the grant, called Summit to Sand. The grant was awarded in the amount of $339,201 per year for three years, totaling $1,017,603.

More than 30 teachers have been recruited for a unique three-year professional development program that draws upon the diverse geography of California to educate teachers and motivate students. Teachers will receive instruction in life, earth, and physical science, focusing on the natural environment of California in order to positively impact students’ English language arts and science achievement.

Faculty from Lake Tahoe, Columbia, and San Joaquin Delta community colleges will provide instruction at three summer institutes from 2010-12.

Summit to Sand brings together key partners to improve teacher quality, contribute to the research base on “place-based learning”, and pioneer much-needed partnerships with community colleges.

Additional partners include UC Davis’ Tahoe Environmental Research Center, the San Joaquin County Office of Education in Stockton, CSU Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.