This week, as we celebrate Digital Promise’s fifth anniversary, we also welcome the districts who are part of the 2016-2017 cohort of the League of Innovative Schools.
Members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools are changing the model of traditional public education and building policies, programs, and practices that demonstrate how forward-thinking leadership, combined with driven, empowered educators and smart technology use, can transform learning.
From Rhode Island to Missouri to Arizona, and many places in between, this year’s League cohort provides high-quality, authentic learning opportunities to students. For example, students with sensory impairments participate in maker learning camps offered by the Utah Schools for the Blind and the Deaf; students in Compton Unified School District (CA) are learning computer science from pre-K to senior year; and the School District of Lee County (KY) is committed to providing pathways to college for its students in rural Kentucky through robust local and national partnerships.
In addition, as we highlight our new League leaders, we also want to feature the work and knowledge of our current members. Today, we are also launching our first Digital Promise podcast series – Ask a Leader – so that you, too, can learn from the exemplary leaders in the League. Steve Webb, chair of the League Advisory Committee and superintendent of Vancouver Public Schools, kicks us off.
Representing 3.3 million students in 33 states, the scope of the League is ever-increasing. While the League has expanded, though, its mission remains steadfast. Webb notes, “At the end of the day this work is about accelerating student achievement, closing achievement and opportunity gaps, and getting more kids across the finish line prepared for colleges, careers, and life.” We are confident this next cohort of districts will help us continue working toward our goals.
And now, meet the 2016-2017 cohort:
Bristol Warren Regional School District
Compton Unified School District
Covina-Valley Unified School District
Dysart Unified School District
East Irondequoit Central School District
El Segundo Unified School District
Evergreen School District
Fox Chapel Area School District
Freehold Township School District
Fullerton School District
Kokomo School Corporation
Lee County School District
Lindsay Unified School District
Montour School District
Morris School District
Seminole County Public Schools
Springfield Public Schools
Stephenville Independent School District
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
Additionally, we welcome Blue Valley USD 229, Bristol Township School District, Fulton County Schools, and Lexington County School District One back into the League with new superintendents.
We are excited to grow and sustain this powerful network of the country’s most innovative leaders, and we are committed to helping them share stories and practices that benefit public education at large.
Cheers to five more years and beyond.