Today, Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she has secured an additional $50,000 in state funding for the Cheektowaga Central School District.

“When students are engaged in the learning process, we see better academic outcomes, improved classroom behavior, and a higher sense of self-esteem,” said Wallace. “This funding will be used to expand the PROPEL program, which uses technology to keep students engaged and helps teachers assess their progress as they learn.”

The PROPEL program, which is tailor fit to each individual student based upon skill level and need, keeps the student engaged through iPad activities that identify areas where they need to improve and allows them to progress through the curriculum at their own pace. This individual learning approach also enables the educator to assess students as they learn and assist students as needed.

Currently, Cheektowaga Central uses PROPEL in K-4 special education classrooms. With the funding secured by Wallace, the school district plans to expand the program to grades 5 and 6 to give struggling students the opportunity to improve their skills and experience successes toward their academic goals.

“School districts everywhere are constantly trying new ways to engage students in a technology-centric world,” said Wallace. “I’m proud to partner with Cheektowaga Central in their expansion of a proven program aimed at keeping students engaged in the learning process.”

This funding is in addition to a $403,000 increase to foundation aid for Cheektowaga Central that Wallace secured in the 2017-2018 state budget.