DeKalb County Schools Accepted Into League of Innovative Schools

DEKALB COUNTY — The DeKalb County School District was accepted into a national network of innovative school districts, according to a news release. The Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools has the mission to accelerate innovation in education and improve the opportunity to learn for all through technology and research.

The district was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants based on its educational leadership, innovative vision for learning, key achievements and evidence of results, and demonstrated commitment to equity and excellence, the release stated.

“We are proud to be accepted in the League of Innovative Schools. Our work is centered around helping our scholars meet the highest standards and become successful and productive members of society,” said DCSD Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris in a statement. “Being a part of this organization aligns with our vision for the DCSD graduate and preparing our scholars for the jobs of the future.”

The Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, launched at the White House under President Barack Obama within the United States Department of Education in 2011, and accepts new members annually through an open application process.

“Now more than ever, the League of Innovative Schools recognizes the impact that equity, access, and opportunity can have on student outcomes,” said Dewayne J. McClary, director of the League of Innovative Schools in a statement. “The League strives to build a collaborative of close-knit districts that work together to eradicate the impact of inequitable practices, outdated instruction and resources, and districts working in silos. Part of our mission is to transform the systems and policies that create barriers for marginalized students.”

The full list of members can be found at digitalpromise.org/districts.

League members are represented by their superintendent, who commits to:

• Attend biannual League meetings, which feature classroom visits, collaborative problem-solving, and relationship-building with peers and partners;
• Participate in League cohorts and challenge collaboratives on a broad range of topics relevant to the changing needs and priorities of school districts;
• Support Digital Promise research and provide critical feedback so it translates easily into classroom experiences and expands what we know about teaching and learning;
• Engage with entrepreneurs to advance edtech product development steeped in the latest learning science and meets district needs; and
• Participate in the League’s professional learning community by connecting with other members online, in person, and at each other’s school districts.