LITERACY GRANTS

The group Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program (LEAP) received two $1 million grants from the U.S. Department of Education last week. The Upper West Side nonprofit organization is using one of the grants to expand its literacy program for the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Called Arts Learning Leads to Literacy (ALLL), the new program will use visual arts, music, dance and drama to enhance different aspects of reading and writing. LEAP's other grant will be used to train charter school teachers. "ALLL exemplifies the best in learning, understanding that learning is collaborative," said Marcia Lyles, deputy chancellor for teaching and learning for the New York City Department of Education.