The Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) was recently selected by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as a recipient of the Distinguished District Award.
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), an education nonprofit that supports the use of technology to accelerate innovation in education, today announced the winners of the 2020 ISTE Impact Award, Distinguished District Award and Professional Learning Network (PLN) Awards. The award winners will be recognized during ISTE20 Live on Nov. 29.
“The 2020 ISTE award honorees represent what educators are able to accomplish by using technology with their students. We look forward to continuing to learn from these exemplary educators as they share their successes at our upcoming conference,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE.
ISTE selects districts that demonstrate effectiveness and innovation in the use of educational technology; ensure equitable, accessible and appropriate learning opportunities for all students, aimed at improving outcomes and increasing engagement; and exhibit a progressive mindset when it comes to challenges in education and embrace new ideas and act on them
This year’s awardees include the Moreno Valley Unified School District in Moreno Valley, California; the Lakota Local School District in Liberty & West Chester Townships, Ohio; and Prince William County Schools in Manassas, Virginia.
“I am extremely proud of receiving this recognition and thank our Director of Professional Development and Digital Learning Department Dr. Sue Buster and her team for their collaboration and unwavering commitment to our students and staff,” said MVUSD Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “We are passionate about ensuring all students have equal access to 21st century learning so they can succeed in the real world. Receiving this award demonstrates our commitment to provide students with the instruction they need to excel in college and/or attain a high-level position in STEAM-related fields. ”
The MVUSD Board of Education and superintendent have set an ambitious goal to be the first district in the state to be fully STEAM-certified. Being involved with ISTE is critical to achieving this goal. The district entered into a partnership with the California League of Schools (CLS) to develop a program for certifying schools which show evidence of a comprehensive, solid STEAM program producing high-level 21st century learners. This process is called iSTEAM Certification.
“We know that millions of STEAM jobs are left unfilled because of the lack of qualified applicants,” said MVUSD School Board President Dr. Marsha Locke. “However, the innovative work we are doing will help meet the ever-growing demands of the 21st century global economy. I would like to thank the staff who are part of ensuring we are preparing our students for the next generation.”
The district has valued student and staff use of technology and supports STEAM instruction to ensure students are prepared for the future. The ISTE Standards include learner, leader, citizen, collaborator, designer, facilitator and analyst. Each of these standards are met through the district’s STEAM implementation. The district also incorporates digital citizenship lessons, has a 1:1 Chromebook program, uses Google for Education, and sends educators to conferences to increase their knowledge and experience in STEAM.
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