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Innovation Center Wins Education Award

As part of the Colorado Succeeds program, the St.Vrain Valley School District's Innovation Center (IC) was a finalist for the Excellence in Technology-Enabled Learning, and then named the winner in that category at a September 2019 public event.
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Innovation Center-Adam Steininger

This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

As part of the Colorado Succeeds program, the St.Vrain Valley School District's Innovation Center (IC) was a finalist for the Excellence in Technology-Enabled Learning, and then named the winner in that category at a September 2019 public event. We wanted to learn more about IC and asked Patty Quinones, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, for more details about this award-winning program.

  1. What has been the reaction by students, parents, teachers about the Excellence in Technology-Enable Education Award?

The reaction to the award has been excited, positive, and a lot of recognition for the work that has been accomplished and the many people who have contributed to their success.

2. What are the primary activities of the IC and how many students use it on a daily basis?

Currently, we have 29 courses that are being taught at the Innovation Center and we have approximately 500 students per semester that take classes. We also have 175 Student Designers that work for us on projects and contract work. There are also approximately 400 preschool through eighth grade students that visit for events, field trips, and tours. More information is available on the IC website.

3. Which IC activities do the students seem to like the most?

I think most students would say that they find working on authentic projects that are meeting real-world challenges – and getting paid to do the work – to be incredibly rewarding. Our high school students build apps, drones, robots, they fix computers, deliver instruction, write lessons and much more.

4. How many students have completed the certification process and which certifications appear to be the most in demand?

Since Spring 2019, 29 students have completed the Apple Certified Technician program and 28 students have completed the CompTia Fundamentals program.

Our Apple Certified Technician certification is in demand. We have had this course in place since 2014 with approximately 350 students taking the class. Currently, there are 26 students in college who are using their certification as student workers to offset the costs.

5. How do IC activities integrate with core curriculum content?

The opportunity to bridge the academic foundation of our schools with authentic learning opportunities for our students allow them to experience academic excellence by design. A strong foundation of research-based instructional approaches with guaranteed and viable curricula at every level, allows innovation to enrich and elevate the learning for students.

6. How long has the mobile lab been visiting schools and what has the reaction been?

The mobile lab was launched in August 2019 and we have been able to create thematic experiences to showcase the learning in St Vrain at various community events. We will be going to schools in November and December 2019.

7. What is the IC most in demand for from the community through the Community Strong program?

We have been able to connect with outstanding mentors and organizations that have volunteered their time, expertise, and experience with our students. The community is welcomed to learn more.