States News Roundup: Early-Childhood Grants; Textbooks

The Massachusetts Education Department has awarded $1 million in grants to help 10 communities improve and coordinate education, health, and social services for families with young children.

The demonstration program, authorized under a state school-reform law last year, is designed to help families with children from birth to age 3 better equip the youngsters to succeed in school.

The grants, awarded to urban, suburban and rural sites, will be used to set up neighborhood family centers and conduct such activities as home visits, parenting classes, health...