EL CAJON SCHOOL RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR

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East County News Service

 

January 7, 2016 (El Cajon) –  Montgomery Middle School in El Cajon is among six California schools chosen as Exemplars of 21st Century Learning, a prestigious designation given out by the national coalition Partnership for 21st Century Learning (p21.org/exemplar-program).  Montgomery Middle School is an International Baccalaureate school that provides an environment of collaboration, innovative technology use, and inquiry based problem solving, all set in real world situations for a diverse population of students.

 

 

State Superintendent of Public Education Tom Torlakson said he is pleased that more than one-third of the schools, districts, and programs chosen throughout the nation as Exemplars of 21st Century Learning are in California. Six California schools and one pre-kindergarten program were among the 19 schools and districts honored nationwide.

 

“I’m pleased that so many of these schools and districts designated as national models are in California. That is a great tribute to our state’s dedicated, innovative, and hardworking educators, parents, and students,” said Torlakson. “These schools showcase the ways in which 21st century learning boosts student achievement, engagement, and preparation for lifelong learning and success.”

 

P21 recognizes that all learners need educational experiences in school and beyond, from cradle to career, to build knowledge and skills for success in a globally and digitally interconnected world.  Representing over 5 million members of the global workforce, P21 is a catalyst organization uniting business, government and education leaders from the U.S. and abroad to advance evidence-based education policy and practice and to make innovative teaching and learning a reality for all.

 

“The staff at Montgomery is dedicated to providing a unique learning experience for each student, in order to prepare them for life and career skills” said Dr. Jacqueline Luzak, Principal of Montgomery Middle School.  “While working together, the staff models the skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity that they teach to our students in their daily lessons.”

 

“Every student deserves to experience authentic 21st century learning,” said Dr. Helen Soulé, P21 Executive Director. “P21 is proud to highlight the hard work exhibited by all P21 Exemplars as they redefine what teaching and learning means for students and educators in a world where learning doesn’t stop.”

 

 

The 2016 California P21 Exemplars are:

  • Bullis Charter School, Los Altos
  • Montgomery Middle School, El Cajon
  • National University Academy, Kearney Mesa Campus, San Diego
  • Rancho Minerva Middle School, Vista
  • Vitoriano Elementary School, Moreno Valley
  • Visalia Technical Early College (VTEC) High School, Visalia
  • Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (pre-K program), City of Industry

 

The P21 Exemplar Program celebrates schools and districts that have successfully incorporated 21st century learning opportunities into teacher practice, curriculum, assessment, and professional development. This helps students master the skills needed to succeed in work and life in the 21st century.

 

“All of these winners, past and present, have so many different successful approaches to education,” said Torlakson. Savanna High School in Anaheim, a 2013–14 designee, however, is one good example. Its curriculum focuses on college and career readiness, offering Career Pathways programs that help train students for careers in health care, visual arts, accounting, and media production. The high school emphasizes group projects that help students work together, communicate, and receive valuable practical experience.

 

P21 evaluates school practices through a rigorous process that includes team site visits to assess implementation. Key exemplary practices are identified in the P21 Patterns of Innovation Report. The program is entering its fourth year and has identified nearly 60 exemplars across the country. Under the leadership of Torlakson, California became one of 20 P21 Leadership States in 2012, recognizing its commitment to integrating the P21 framework.

 

Video case studies for the 2015–16 designees will be available on the P21 website in the spring.

 

Applications are being accepted for the 2016–17 P21 Exemplar Program.  The deadline for submission is January 15, 2016. The application is available on the P21 Web site at p21.org/exemplar-program-application.

 

 


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