The School District of Palm Beach County recently received acceptance into the Google for Education Reference District Program. The honor acknowledges that the District is doing exemplary work using Google tools, joining a select group of innovative districts and independent schools.
“This is a huge recognition for the District,” said Dana Rubenstein, a technology program specialist. Google for Education Reference Districts demonstrate excellence and thought leadership through the innovative use of technology to drive positive learning outcomes.
For example, the District launched a Teaching with Technology Trailblazer program in 2017 that provided professional development on G Suite to teacher leaders who could then build every school’s culture by helping other teachers in their schools.
The District continues to support the Teaching with Technology Trailblazer program along with training on device management, digital citizenship, curriculum integration, and blended learning strategies.
This drives a vision for effective instruction that is standards-aligned, personalized, engaging, and includes high expectations for all learners. Technology is a fundamental tool for achieving effective instruction and providing digital and blended learning opportunities.
There are 2,400 Teaching with Technology Trailblazers in the School District, representing 20% of teachers. During the school closures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Trailblazers were instrumental in supporting their fellow teachers with the transition to distance learning.
The Trailblazers’ knowledge and experience with using the Google for Education applications, allowed them to provide support through virtual webinars and Google Meet sessions. Many created Google Classroom courses and Sites to share information with other educators.
In addition to Technology Trailblazers, there are more than 2,200 Level 1 and Level 2 Google Certified Educators (GCE), and 33 Google for Education Certified Trainers within the District.
Acceptance into the Google for Education Reference District Program celebrates the District’s ability to harness technology to deliver instruction in an engaging classroom that meets the expectations of today’s students.
