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Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Media Contact: from the MNPS Communications Office Olivia Brown, MNPS, 615-­‐259-­‐8405 Joe Bass, MNPS, 615-­‐259-­‐8405 [email protected] [email protected] Metro Schools Professional Development Program Wins Two National Awards All-­‐Star Training wins for overall achievement and online learning NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 7, 2014) – Metro Schools’ All-­‐Star Training program, the largest professional development endeavor ever undertaken by the district, has been honored with two awards this summer. Because of its focus on technology and online professional development, the district took home a Digital Content and Curriculum Achievement Award and the Catalyst Award. The Center for Digital Education presented Metro Schools with the Digital Content and Curriculum Achievement Award for K-­‐12 at the International Society for Technology in Education 2014 conference in Atlanta, Ga. on June 30. The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-­‐12 and higher education technology trends, policy and funding. “This year’s winners are leveraging the power of digital content and curriculum in creative ways that enhance and personalize learning,” said Alan Cox, senior vice president for the Center for Digital Education. “They offer innovative examples for other schools to emulate. The Center for Digital Education congratulates them all for their leadership in moving education forward.” The training program was also recognized this summer with a Blackboard Catalyst Award for staff development. The award was given due to the district’s move to the online and blended professional development model. “We are very honored to receive these two prestigious awards,” said Jay Steele, Metro Schools’ chief academic officer. “This training is one of the most important efforts we’ve ever put forward for our teachers, and it is exciting to see it not only come together, but to have so much success in its first year.” The All-­‐Star Training program began in February to provide online professional development for more than 6,500 Metro teachers and administrators. So far, nearly 95 percent of Metro Schools’ teachers have completed the program. Developed by the district’s Learning Technology team, the training helps teachers personalize learning for every student by mastering new learning technology and the Common Core State Standards. Upon completion of the training, teachers receive new laptops from the district. The All-­‐Star Training initiative is aligned with the district’s five-­‐year strategic plan, Education 2018: Excellence for Every Student. Metro Nashville Public Schools Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools is the nation’s 42nd largest district, preparing more than 83,000 students to excel in higher education, work and life. With the goal of being the first choice for Nashville’s families, Metro Schools is committed to providing a high quality education to every student. The district is earning a national reputation for urban school reform, its commitment to social and emotional learning and rising academic achievement, and currently ranks in the top 27 percent of districts in the state for academic performance. Its new strategic plan, Education 2018: Excellence for Every Student, sets the goal of becoming the nation’s top performing urban school system by 2018. The governing body for Metro Schools is the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education, a nine-­‐member elected body. For more information, visit www.mnps.org. MNPS Media Room