How It Works - Verizon Innovative Learning Schools

How It Works

Digital Promise selects schools to be part of Verizon Innovative Learning Schools and join the program in cohorts. Each cohort begins their journey together and has the opportunity to collaborate, share, and learn from previous cohorts. As schools progress through the second year of the program and beyond, they offer mentorship, best practices, and resources to schools new to the program.

Professional Learning Supports VILS Initiative Outcomes

  • Increase Student Achievement
  • Increase Student Engagement
  • Increase Student and Teacher Tech & STEM Proficiency
  • Increase Student STEM Interest
  • Increase Student Problem-Solving Skills
  • Increase Student Collaboration Skills
  • Increase Student Communication Skills
  • Increase Student Confidence

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools in the 1:1 Device Model receive devices (either iPads or Chromebooks) for all students, teachers, and administrators in the school building. Each device is equipped with a data plan that provides always-available access outside of the classroom. Schools select a full-time coach dedicated to providing teachers with the pedagogical support to effectively leverage technology in the classroom. Digital Promise’s professional learning team designs customized professional learning for each school based on intensive planning and collaboration with school leaders; builds capacity in each school-based coach to lead instructional change throughout the school; and identifies appropriate resources and opportunities to support teachers at varied levels of readiness.

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools in the Hotspot Model have existing 1:1 device programs. These schools receive mobile hotspots with data plans for students who lack reliable internet access at home. Each school also receives on-demand professional learning opportunities in the form of Teacher Training Pathways aligned to Digital Promise micro-credentials, as well as IT implementation support and a stipend for an instructional liaison to support teachers.

There are four primary components to the project.

Hover over a box for more information.

  • Always available access

    Dedicated devices and accessories for all students and teachers, each with 30GB of data monthly, year-round for access in and out of school, or mobile hotspots with 30GB of data monthly, year-round for students who lack reliable internet access at home

    Technical project management to support readiness and implementation

  • Professional learning

    Builds educator capacity through full-time, school-based coach or instructional liaison and virtual synchronous and/or asynchronous PD to ensure all teachers are supported and successful in supporting student learning with technology, regardless of existing levels of mastery

    Access to on-demand Teacher Training Pathways with the opportunity to earn Digital Promise micro-credentials upon successful completion of each course

    Supports initiative outcomes and individual school goals

    Focused on leveraging technology to improve student learning and to create new and innovative learning opportunities for students

     

  • STEM opportunities

    Brings STEM learning partnerships to schools, including STMath, Discovery Education, and UPchieve

    Opportunity to hear directly from Verizon engineers, analysts, managers, and others about their current jobs and career paths during a virtual Career Exploration Day event

  • Research

    Designed to determine if the initiative is changing teaching and learning, and in what ways

    Uses surveys, interviews, site visits, and collection of administrative data to understand impact

Improving learning with the power of technology

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