Seattle Public Schools have received a $250,000 grant with the money is earmarked to help the school system close the achievement gaps for minority and low income students.

The grant from the NEA Foundation is renewable annually for an additional four years, depending on demonstrated progress and effective use of the funds. Over five years, Seattle Public Schools could receive $1.25 million.

"We are honored and excited that chose to help fund the high quality work being accomplished in our schools," said Seattle School Superintendent Raj Manhas. "The organization's generous and on-going contribution to our efforts to close the achievement gaps will greatly assist in helping students who need it most."

The grant requires Seattle to close the achievement gaps by 2011. The school district and the Seattle Education Association have identified schools where achievement gaps are most profound and have clustered these schools into three "flights." The initial goal is to help these so-called "flight schools" improve literacy, mathematics and science achievement; reduce the dropout and truancy rates and reduce disparate rates of referral to special education for minority students. The schools will also receive help stabilizing quality staff and getting families and communities involved in the learning process.