District 214's "Instructional Technology Innovation That Works Program" Selected as 2012-13 Apple Distinguished Program

                 Township High School District 214 is pleased to announce the Instructional Technology Innovation That Works Program has been selected as an Apple Distinguished Program for the 2012-13 school year.  The program was chosen for its teacher driven, student focused iPad deployment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic achievement.

            This year, the Instructional Technology Innovation That Works Program joins 42 programs Apple is recognizing nationwide as exemplary learning environments.  The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that integrate Apple technology in education and meet the five best practices—visionary leadership, innovative learning and teaching, ongoing professional learning, compelling evidence of success, and a flexible learning environment.  

                According to District 214 Director of Technology Services Keith Bockwoldt, "The Instructional Technology Innovation That Works Program demonstrates the Apple vision, which supports the way students live and how they want to learn. The program exemplifies collaboration, academic success, and innovation.  Our primary mission is to help ALL students learn the skills, acquire the knowledge, and develop the behaviors necessary for them to reach their full potential as citizens who meet the challenges of a changing society."

            The unique program is based on how instruction is steering iPad usage in District 214. Teachers submit proposals and present how the iPad will transform the classroom learning environment. The initiatives are approved based on the differentiation of instructional delivery and the impact on student learning. The program is assisting the school district achieve its three non-negotiable goals—to increase ACT scores, decrease student failures, and increase the number of students who take and pass Advanced Placement courses.

            An Apple representative will present District 214 with the Apple Distinguished Program award at an upcoming school board meeting.