Nevada Ready 21 Digital Learning Program Awards $5.5 Million to Nevada Schools
Five Nevada schools will receive $5.5 million from the Nevada Ready 21 digital learning initiative announced today by the Nevada Department of Education. The five new schools will join a cohort of 23 schools currently in the Nevada Ready 21 program. The program now serves more than 24,000 students and 1,200 teachers.
“This innovative digital learning program provides each student in a participating middle school 24-hour access to a laptop and supports teachers in providing engaging, authentic learning experiences,” said Steve Canavero, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The Nevada Ready 21 program helps students develop the 21st century skills needed to succeed in school and career. Due largely to the successful implementation of the program by the first cohort, SB467 that passed in the 2017 legislature, putting the Nevada Ready 21 program in statute and ensuring equitable opportunities for Nevada’s students for years to come.
“We are proud of this grant award and thankful for the Winnemucca Junior High School staff and administration for committing to advanced teaching practices that will support our students’ ability to be creative, collaborative, critical thinkers who are able to communicate these 21st Century skills preparing them for a global society,” said Dawn Hagness, Humboldt County School District Assistant Superintendent.
Teachers in the second cohort will receive their devices and begin training in spring of 2018 for the 2018-2019 school year.
“Fred W. Traner Middle School is proud to be the first Washoe County School District school to participate in the Nevada Ready 21 program,” said Robert Sidford from the Washoe County School District. “Nevada Ready 21 will empower students to learn 21st Century Competencies in a technology-rich learning environment,”
Middle schools participating in the second cohort of the Nevada Ready 21 digital learning initiative:
• Irwin and Susan Molasky Junior High in Clark
• Victoria Fertitta Middle School in Clark
• Thurman White Academy in Clark
• Winnemucca Junior High in Humboldt
• Fred W. Traner Middle School in Washoe
Nevada Ready 21 is a statewide initiative that provides students with an equitable, technology-rich education that supports high standards, an engaging learning environment, and the development of the 21st century skills. When learning is directed by a student’s own inquiry, teaching becomes more effective and naturally engaging.
“We are excited to be adding three new Nevada Ready 21 schools to further transform instructional practices through digital learning and increase students’ access to educational technology,” said Jesse Welsh, Clark County School District Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Professional Development Services. “We look forward to seeing the impact this will have on teaching and learning in these schools.”
In addition to providing digital learning devices for each student, the program delivers comprehensive professional development training and support for teachers and administrators as well as improving broadband internet access in schools throughout the state.
