BOSTON (AP) — Federal education officials say Massachusetts is getting part of a $24 million grant shared by 22 states to improve training for their workers and help children with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Education says the money will support recruitment and retention of highly qualified special education teachers and training in how to connect instruction for students with disabilities with the common core standards. The grant will also support teacher mentoring, collaborating with regular education teachers and training in methods of positive behavioral interventions and supports to improve student behavior in the classroom.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is getting nearly $1.1 million from the grant.

The program requires states to work with at least one higher education institution, one local education agency and either a Parent Training and Information Center, or a Community Parent Resource Center.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.