PITTSBURGH -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced Thursday that it will invest $335 million to support effective teaching as a means to ensure all students receive the education they need to succeed in high school and beyond.

The grants will support the effective teaching plans of Hillsborough County, Fla. Public Schools, Memphis, Tenn. City Schools, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and The College-Ready Promise, a coalition of five public charter school management organizations in Los Angeles.

Pittsburgh School Board members said yes to a $40 million grant at a special school board meeting Wednesday night.

It is believed to be the largest grant in the history of the school district.