Immersive Digital Learning Experiences for Science Students in Grades 7-12 the Goal of Mount Vernon City School District’s Expanded Partnership with Discovery Education
— Digital Resources and Professional Learning Opportunities Coming to Classrooms This School Year to Support Implementation of New Science Curriculum —
Silver Spring, MD (July 24, 2019) — New York’s Mt. Vernon City School District (MVCSD) today announced the commencement of a new phase of their multiyear partnership with Discovery Education, the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Beginning this school year, MVCSD science teachers in grades 7-12 will have access to Discovery Education’s award-winning Science Techbook, which empowers educators to create immersive digital learning experiences that more deeply engage students in classroom instruction.
Last year, MVCSD selected Discovery Education’s unique mix of award-winning digital services and professional learning services to power the Mt. Vernon STEAM Academy’s new curriculum and to extend engaging STEM/STEAM learning opportunities to students districtwide. The expansion of the MVCSD/Discovery Education partnership builds on the success of this initial phase of collaboration and is part of an ongoing effort, guided by the 20/20 Academic Vision and supported by a successful 2016 bond referendum, to improve all MVCSD schools.
“Each member of the Mt. Vernon City Schools District is dedicated to continuous improvement and the transformation of our great school system,” said Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton, Superintendent of Schools. “Initiatives like the integration of Discovery Education’s Science Techbook into our science curriculum are indicative of our dedication to pressing forward and preparing our students for success beyond graduation.”
Discovery Education’s Science Techbook series empowers educators to transform science instruction. Utilizing an inquiry-based format built on the Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate (5E) model, each Science Techbook includes rich, standards-aligned content such as video, audio, text, interactives with hands-on activities, and virtual labs that help educators differentiate instruction and provide a rich and engaging learning experience for students. Additional student features include bilingual text-to-speech and leveled reading tools and note-taking and highlighting capabilities.
The Science Techbook series also includes valuable STEM resources as well, including STEM Project Starters that encourage students to connect math, technology, and engineering to their understanding of science concepts to produce creative solutions to real world problems, and the STEM In Action resources, which help students connect their work to STEM careers. In addition, the version of the Science Techbook selected by the MVCSD team is aligned to the New York State Science Learning Standards.
“The Mt. Vernon City School District is located just twenty miles outside of New York City in Westchester County–where urban living meets suburban living,” said Dr. Jeff Gorman, Deputy Superintendent, Mt. Vernon City School District. “Our unique location has blessed us with an incredibly diverse student population of 8,000 students. The new digital science textbooks from our trusted partners at Discovery Education empower our talented teachers to more easily personalize science instruction for each student, which helps us meet our goal of enhancing the educational experience of all learners.”
MVCSD’s educators will also continue to receive support from the Discovery Education Community. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.
“Mt. Vernon City School District’s innovative approach to STEM and now science education is transforming instruction for students across the district,” said Discovery Education Partnerships Senior Manager Sara Peters. “Discovery Education is honored to be selected to support the district’s efforts to enhance science instruction for students in grades 7 to 12, and we look forward to continuing to build on the successful and productive partnership we’ve enjoyed to date.”
For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest.
###
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning, creating immersive STEM experiences, and improving academic achievement around the globe. Discovery Education’s services are available in approximately half of U.S. classrooms and primary schools in the U.K. and reach over 5 million educators and 51 million students in more than 90 countries. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to empower teachers with customized solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contact:
Discovery Education
Stephen Wakefield
Email: SWakefield@discoveryed.com
Phone: (240) 463-2894