GRPS, Mich. Tech announce collaboration

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Grand Rapids Public Schools and Michigan Tech University teamed up to teach Earth science on Wednesday.

They unveiled a $4.5 million project that will link middle school teachers with national researchers. The collaboration will find news ways to teach students about the earth.

The district and university will benefit from this program, said Bernard Taylor, GRPS superintendent.

"It's a partnership we will welcome, not because it is worth $4.5 million, but it allows teachers to grow their craft. It allows an area where there is signifigant need - in science - one where we are seeing growing competence on the part of our students, growing MEAP scores at the middle school level," Taylor said.

Other local universities will be involved, too. The funding comes from the National Science Foundation.