2.5: Innovation Zone

Increase number of participants in Innovation Zone from 80 schools to over 250

Other Information:

iZone -- The Innovation Zone (iZone), a Department of Education program that supports a community of innovative New York City schools committed to personalizing learning, has grown significantly over the past year, expanding from 81 schools across all five boroughs to nearly 250 schools. By meeting the needs, motivations and strengths of each child, students are better prepared for success in grades K-12, college and career. Across the iZone, schools achieve personalization in a variety of ways based on those ideas, technology and tools that work best for their school community. In iZone schools: - Real-time information is used to support each student, evaluating their level at the start of a lesson and charting their progress, so teachers may provide extra help or new challenging opportunities as needed. - Teachers are equipped to provide collaborative learning and cultural exchange opportunities, and students are exposed to the real-world through guest lectures, internships and externships. - Digital resources supplement a teacher's instruction, allowing students to take interesting online courses (under the guidance and support of a classroom teacher) that meet their needs, such as college level, credit recovery, elective or language courses. - Teachers have more time to plan lessons alone and with fellow teachers to collectively address each student's needs and create engaging curricula that will adhere to college and career readiness standards.

Stakeholder(s):

• Innovation Zone


• NYC Department of Education


• New York City Schools


• MOUSE: Mouse is an innovative youth development organization that empowers underserved students to provide technology support and leadership in their schools, supporting their technology careers in more than 300 locations in the United States, including New York City, Chicago, California and Texas. Mouse Squads improve a school's ability to use technology to enhance learning, while also providing a powerful, hands-on 21st century learning experience for students. In partnership with the New York City Department of Education, Mouse has established Mouse Squads in all five boroughs across the city. Starting with a pilot of three NYC schools in 2000, this program has grown to involve thousands of New York City public school students providing a valued tech support role in their schools. Mouse Corps is a youth-centered design and technology program which develops emerging leadership, professional and technical skills of select high school students from Mouse Squads Citywide. After participating in several professionalism activities and building digital portfolios, students are placed in after-school "shadowships" and summer internships at partnering organizations including the City's Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications (DoITT). mouse.org/resources/partners Mouse is also one of several DoITT partners participating in the federally funded NYC Connected Learning initiative to promote sustainable broadband adoption, as described above. The Mouse Squads program has significantly grown its presence in New York City as part of the Connected Learning Program, providing new opportunities for hundreds of middle school students to become technology leaders in their schools and communities.

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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