APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS PROGRAM 2015-17
What do visitors see when they look inside our classrooms?
- exemplary learning environments fostering innovation, leadership, and excellence
KCSD96 has been named a 2015 - 2017 Apple Distinguished Schools Program.
Apple education team representatives–who visit schools nationwide to observe technology implementation–were impressed by what they saw happening in KCSD96 classrooms. In fact, they described our use of technology as "a lighthouse for others in the State of Illinois."
In District 96 all middle school students, teachers, and administrators school-wide have 1:1 access to Apple mobile devices. Likewise, all KCSD96 students, grades 1–8, have all-day access.
Simply making technology available in our classrooms is not enough, however. Instead, it’s collaborative purposefulness in integrating technology to improve instructional practices that distinguishes KCSD96.
In each KCSD96 school, a dedicated technology coach works side-by-side with classroom teachers (job-embedded professional development) to examine curriculum learning targets and integrate technology effectively to help our students grow. The mission is to support and extend learning in ways that meet the needs of students at all levels.
KCSD96 staff share leadership in this all-important work to help teachers transform instruction. Every day, students see the adults around them modeling practices of lifelong learning consistent with the 21st-century workplace. These include research and innovative thinking as we collaborate on best practices to improve learning outcomes for our students at all levels.
