Richland Two pilot project provides resources for students

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is providing Richland School District Two the resources to launch a pilot project for schools in the district.

The Recruit, Retain, Restructure pilot project is being launched in 13 Richland Two schools and centers, said officials.

The $1.5 million grant will impact around 1,448 military connected students.

The schools that will be impacted:

Bethel-Hanberry Elementary, Bookman Road Elementary, Bridge Creek Elementary, Catawba Trail Elementary, Lake Carolina Elementary Upper, Lake Carolina Elementary Lower, Langford Elementary, Rice Creek Elementary, Round Top Elementary, Blythewood Middle, Kelly Mill Middle, Muller Road Middle, and Blythewood High schools.

According to Director of Grant Initiatives Dr. Arlene Bakutes, the pilot project is to use research based strategies to prepare a solid foundation for students with knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for successful future engagements.

“This project has several defined goals including increasing student achievement, particularly in math and English, and developing a solid instructional pipeline through research-based strategies,” stated Dr. Bakutes.

The district said military connected students make up between 10 to 18 percent of the student population at each of the schools being served by this grant.