A California school district fosters creativity through the integration of Apple Learning Coach.
Downey Unified School District in Southern California is leveraging Apple technology to create dynamic learning environments and transform classrooms. With a focus on technology integration, the district has seen growth in its student population despite declining enrollment across California public schools.
The district has 15 certified Apple Learning Coaches, with an additional five educators currently enrolled in the program. This professional learning initiative is designed to train instructional coaches, digital learning specialists, and other coaching educators to help teachers effectively use Apple technology in the classroom. Marnie Luevano, who was certified as an Apple Learning Coach last year, plays a crucial role in helping teachers reimagine how they use Apple technology to supercharge lessons.
Jennifer Robbins, the district's director of elementary education, has seen her fellow educators learn and grow as a result of the Apple Learning Coach program. Principal Box, who is also an Apple Learning Coach, credits the program with helping to transform schools in the district, including her own.
Downey Unified follows the coherence model, ensuring all schools have the same access to technology, education, tools, and services. The district provides an iPad to every student at elementary schools and has been 1:1 with iPads at middle schools since the pandemic. By the end of first grade, students will be able to record video using the camera on iPad. By the end of second grade, students will be able to combine video with photos and audio in iMovie.
Each school in Downey Unified has an Innovation Lab with coding, robotics, and green screen film projects. Student Tech Squads provide leadership opportunities for students to support their peers and teachers with technology-related issues. The district technology team has created a digital fluency deck to give its teachers technology goals for students based on grade level.
In addition to the United States, the Apple Learning Coach program is expanding to 12 more countries by the end of the year. The program is accepting applications through May 30, 2023.
As a result of the Apple Learning Coach model, Downey Unified School District is achieving a higher level of engagement. The district's educators have the tools to meet teachers where they are, no matter the level of their technology knowledge. This approach is helping to foster a love of learning and creativity among students, making Downey Unified School District a leader in technology-integrated education.
However, it is unclear at this time which other school districts will be offered the Apple Learning Coach Program in 2023. For more information, interested parties should visit the Apple Learning Coach website.
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