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BCPS Expands Participation in Verizon Innovative Learning - Kick-off Event on December 5
BCPS Expands Participation in Verizon Innovative Learning to Bring Free
Tech Education to Title I Schools
Kick-Off Event on December 5 welcomes six District schools added for the 2022/23 school year
On Monday, December 5, 2022, six schools across Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) will become the latest schools to join Verizon Innovative Learning, which is Verizon’s award-winning education initiative addressing digital inclusion and helping to drive equity within education for some of the most vulnerable populations across the country.
The Verizon Innovative Learning program, in partnership with Digital Promise, provides students with free technology devices, internet access and innovative STEM learning programs to keep students connected and help facilitate learning wherever it is taking place.
Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused education model, Verizon Innovative Learning also equips each school with a technology coach and provides professional development support for teachers to assist them in effectively integrating technology into the classroom. Teachers in the program report that the initiative allows for more individualized instruction, helps them explore new ways of teaching and elevates student engagement.
The latest six schools in BCPS to join the Verizon Innovative Learning initiative are Annabel C. Perry Pre K-8, Bair Middle School, Driftwood Middle School, Forest Glen Middle School, Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy and Parkway Middle School. In addition, Apollo Middle School, Lauderdale Lakes Middle School, Plantation Middle School, Pompano Beach Middle School, Silver Lakes Middle School and William Dandy Middle School – will receive hotspots for students who lack reliable high-speed internet access at home. In all, 12 schools join nine other District schools currently participating.
“Technology continues to lead the way in our classrooms and in our communities,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “We appreciate the expanding partnership of Verizon Innovative Learning and Digital Promise that ensures our students have access to technology and resources that allow them to excel and compete in our highly technological society.”
“Verizon Innovative Learning is not just a program that offers tablets – the tablets are the ‘eye candy’ piece of this program,” said BCPS Forest Glen Middle School Principal Melissa Gurreonero. “Verizon Innovative Learning offers an approach to learning that is cutting edge and necessary for our students to thrive in this ever-changing world. Our partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning and Digital Promise will allow our school community to stay connected, whether or not we are at school, so we can continue to grow and learn together.”
"So many students across the nation lack the access to technology and resources they need to be successful in today’s digital world,” said Merdochey LaFrance, Government Affairs, Verizon. “On behalf of Verizon, we are excited to help enable students in Broward County Public Schools to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities for a more promising future."
To welcome the new schools added to the program, Forest Glen Middle School will host a kick-off event, featuring STEM learning stations, Sphero demonstrations, MergeCube interactions and coding/STEM activities facilitated by student tech team members.
Verizon Innovative Learning Celebration
Monday, December 5, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.
Forest Glen Middle School
6501 Turtle Run Blvd., Coral Springs, FL 33067
Nationwide, 50 schools are joining the Verizon Innovative Learning program this school year, providing nearly 30,000 new students with technology resources and bringing the program’s impact to 561 schools. A total of 6,521 tablets will be provided as part of the program. The market value of the Verizon Innovative Learning program’s investment in the 1:1 device initiative is, on average, more than $2.3 million per school.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS*:
- 88% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning helped them explore new ways of teaching
- 88% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning allowed for more individualized instruction
- 78% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning enhanced their ability to differentiate instruction
- 81% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning enhanced student engagement
- 79% of teachers said Verizon Innovative Learning helped them reach goals they already set for their classroom and teaching
- 72% of teachers believe Verizon Innovative Learning enhanced positive interactions with students
*Source: Westat (2021)
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Media is invited to cover this event.
RSVP by Friday, December 2, at bcps.pio@browardschools.com.
ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, serving more than 256,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult learners in 240 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 90 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 170 different countries and speaking 147 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.
About Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon's award-winning education initiative, is celebrating 10 years of addressing barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers. Since 2012, the initiative has committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching over 1.5 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and innovative learning programs to students in under-resourced communities - enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build an innovative workforce of the future. In 2021, Verizon launched Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a next-gen online education portal that provides free access to immersive XR educational experiences to all educators, including K-12 teachers, nationwide. A key initiative under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to drive the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.