12 Mass. Schools Share $27M In Federal Funds

State education officials say 12 Massachusetts schools are sharing a $27 million federal grant over the next three years to help improve student performance.

The schools - 10 in Boston and one each in Chelsea and Springfield - have been defined as underperforming.

Of the more than 7,000 students in the 12 schools, 88 percent are considered low income and 26 percent are limited English proficient.

Each school will adopt one of four federally developed turnaround programs indicated in their proposal to win the grant money. Five of the schools will replace at least half their teachers.

State Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester says the schools have shown "tremendous courage" in embracing needed changes.