Discovery Education Selected by California’s Fontana Unified School District to Help Five Elementary Schools Reach “Moonshot” Goal of Enhancing STEM Education
— New Digital Content and Professional Learning Opportunities from Discovery Education Empower District Educators to Create Immersive STEM and Math Learning Experiences–
Silver Spring, MD (August 21, 2019) — California’s Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) announced today it has selected Discovery Education to support the enhancement of STEM and Math education in the school system. In this new phase of FUSD’s multiyear partnership with Discovery Education, educators in five district elementary schools will receive access to engaging STEM-focused digital content and sustained professional learning opportunities, and all 6th, 7th and 8th grade Math teachers will begin integrating the company’s digital curriculum into Math instruction. Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms, and has provided FUSD educators district-wide access to its award-winning digital content services since 2015.
Located in Southern California’s Inland Empire, FUSD’s 45 schools serve approximately 41,000 students in a rapidly growing community 50 miles east of Los Angeles. While each school supports the district’s goal of ensuring every student is prepared for success in college, career, and life, every FUSD school or department is also challenged with reaching a “moonshot” goal designed to help propel the district into the future. At a recent district retreat, school leaders from Canyon Crest Elementary School, Randall Pepper Elementary School, Shadow Hills Elementary School, South Tamarind Elementary School, and Tokay Elementary School chose enhancing STEM education as their “moonshot” goal. To support this endeavor, those schools worked with FUSD’s administration to find an external partner that could provide the needed resources and professional learning. Following a rigorous review process, FUSD selected Discovery Education to provide the digital content and professional development support needed to build cultures of STEM teaching and learning in the five participating schools.
“Fontana Unified School District is incredibly proud of our five-year track record of continuous student improvement,” said FUSD’s Director Professional Development and Teacher Support Adele Thomas. “However, each member of the district staff knows we cannot rest on our previous achievements. To continue our trajectory of improvement, FUSD needs to push forward with both bold ideas and dedicated, high-quality partners. We are excited to continue our partnership with Discovery Education, and we are look forward to working closely with their talented team on this project.”
STEM Connect is among the new Discovery Education digital services teachers from the five schools participating in this initiative will shortly begin integrating into classroom instruction. STEM Connect is a cutting-edge, web-based, interdisciplinary K-8 supplemental resource. STEM Connect helps students develop the creative, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills they need for success beyond graduation, and was recently awarded the prestigious CODiE award by the Software and Information Industry Association. Featuring flexible, modular learning units, STEM Connect provides students an easy-to-follow educational experience that includes real-world challenges, career connections, and hands-on activities.
Educators at the five schools participating in this initiative will also receive sustained, job-embedded, professional development certified as meeting the Global STEM Alliance (GSA) STEM Education Framework, which was developed by the New York Academy of Sciences and SRI Education. During these interactive professional learning opportunities, educators will learn how to maximize their new digital resources, develop high-quality STEM lessons, scale STEM instruction in their schools, and create centers of STEM excellence.
In addition, educators at every FUSD 6th, 7th and 8th classroom will also soon begin using Discovery Education’s Math Techbook for teaching and learning. An immersive digital curriculum, Discovery Education’s family of Techbooks are aligned to rigorous standards and updated regularly at no cost. Each Techbook provides educators with detailed lesson plans, embedded formative assessments, hands-on activities, digital simulations, and robust teacher supports that deeply engage students in learning. The Math Techbook connects students to math through real-world problems, helping all learners develop long-lasting mastery of mathematical concepts. In addition, the Math Techbook has been independently verified by EdReports.org to meet the highest levels of mathematical content and pedagogy.
FUSD educators districtwide will also continue receiving support from the Discovery Education Community. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.
“Discovery Education is proud to support the five FUSD schools participating in this unique STEM initiative and we look forward to working with 6th, 7th and 8th Math teachers across the district as they integrate our services into instruction,” said Jeree Gooing, Discovery Education Partnerships Manager. “Together, we will create the unique culture of STEM teaching and learning we know will help FUSD students succeed beyond graduation.”
For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest.
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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning, creating immersive STEM experiences, and improving academic achievement around the globe. Discovery Education’s services are available in approximately half of U.S. classrooms and primary schools in the U.K. and reach over 5 million educators and 51 million students in more than 90 countries. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to empower teachers with customized solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contact:
Discovery Education
Stephen Wakefield
Email: SWakefield@discoveryed.com
Phone: (240) 463-2894