13 Washington schools get US improvement money

State education officials say 13 Washington schools will be getting federal dollars to improve their schools

The 3-year grants range from $50,000 to $3 million a year and Seattle's Rainier Beach High School is among the 13 schools.

The money will be used for a variety of improvement activities, ranging from teacher training to classroom supplies and materials and before- and after-school programs.

This is Washington's third round of school improvement grants. The majority of schools in the program have shown significant improvement in student reading and math achievement.

To qualify for a federal School Improvement Grant, schools must serve low-income students and in the lowest five percent of student achievement on statewide tests. They have to adopt one of four intervention models, which can range from hiring new principals and teachers to converting into a charter school.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.

KIRO