Victoriano Elementary School Named 21st Century Learning Exemplar by P21

P21, the leading organization advocating for 21st century learning for every student, has designated Victoriano Elementary School as an exemplar school, as part of a nationwide initiative identifying models of exemplary 21st century learning practices that are preparing students for success across the United States. Victoriano Elementary School in Moreno Valley is one of 12 elementary schools in the Val Verde Unified School District and the district’s first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) K-5 school. “This is not only an honor for Victoriano Elementary, but for the entire school district as well. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of this journey,” said Val Verde Unified School District Superintendent Michael R. McCormick. Principal Molly Large adds, “Being recognized as a 21st Century Learning Exemplar school is a testament to the work being done every day by our staff and students, who truly embrace interactive practices such as student agency, engaged community, and a climate of achievement.” “Every student deserves to experience authentic 21st century learning,” said Dr. Helen Soulé, P21 Executive Director. “P21 is proud to highlight the hard work exhibited by all P21 Exemplars as they redefine what teaching and learning means for students and educators in a world where learning doesn’t stop.” Now entering its 4th year, P21’s 21st Century Learning Exemplar Program shares case studies of schools and districts that have successfully transformed student learning through innovative and transformative practices that include collaborative teaching and learning, distributed leadership, student voice and choice, engaged community partnerships, a climate of achievement, and evidence-based practices into teacher practice, curriculum, assessment, and professional development. The 2016 21st Century Learning Exemplars, including Victoriano Elementary School, along with 16 schools and 3 districts, were selected through a rigorous application process, and evaluated for educational excellence and 21st century learning implementation. Case studies on schools just announced, including Victoriano Elementary, will be unveiled in 2016. All PreK-12 schools in the U.S. are eligible to be considered for the Exemplar Program and encouraged to apply between Dec. 1 – Jan. 15 at www.P21.org/apply. To see Victoriano Elementary School's name in the list of exemplar schools, visit http://www.p21.org/exemplar-program-case-studies/list-of-exemplar-schools