California’s Scholarship Prep Schools Integrate Innovative New Digital Resources into Learning

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Charlotte, NC (Thursday, September 12, 2024)—This fall, students at California’s Scholarship Prep Schools (SPS) are stepping back into classrooms with innovative new resources enhancing science education. With the California Discovery Education Science Experience, all SPS students can discover science in new ways that spark their natural curiosity. Developed by global edtech leader Discovery Education, these engaging digital tools are specifically crafted to support science education in California schools. 

Serving approximately 1,600 K-8 students from across Southern California, SPS seeks to drive community change by operating trauma-informed public schools serving all students, especially those experiencing homelessness or those in the foster care system. Utilizing a university-inspired, college scholarship concept, SPS students are taught that by achieving academic, athletic, and/or arts excellence, a broader array of possibilities and options exist for future endeavors in higher education and beyond.  

To support the school system’s emphasis on providing data-driven learning opportunities that make a dramatic and sustainable impact on underserved populations, the SPS team sought an innovative, classroom-proven, science curriculum that would engage learners and easily integrate into teachers’ classroom practice. Following a thorough review of available resources, SPS selected California Discovery Education Science Experience. This innovative resource consists of: 

Discovery Education Experience. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education Experience is an engaging learning platform that facilitates instruction in all subjects and in any environment. These resources, which will be used in all school classrooms, are sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day.  Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, ClassLink, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.    

Discovery Education Science Techbooks. The Discovery Education Science Techbook series is a comprehensive, research-backed science solution for grades K-12. Used in classrooms across the United States, the Science Techbooks drive engagement with exclusive phenomena and interactive content. Built specifically for California classrooms, the California Science Techbooks that will be used in SPS grades 6-8 are aligned to state standards and feature virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM activities, and instructional supports that enhance the delivery of impactful, blended instruction. The Science Techbooks also include standards connections and differentiation activities that inform instructional planning and guide three-dimensional learning. Available with the Science Techbooks are coordinated teacher guides offering unit, concept, and lesson overviews, and pre-packaged kits that make classroom activities easy to implement.  

Recently, Discovery Education’s Science Techbook was certified as meeting the rigorous, evidence-based ESSA Tier III standards as set forth in Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Multiple studies show that regular use of Discovery Education Science Techbook in the classroom has many positive academic results for educators and students across a variety of districts and populations in the United States. This research and more can be found here. 

Discovery Education Professional Learning. Dedicated professional learning helps school systems recognize the full return on their edtech investment. Through these interactive professional development sessions, participants will learn best practices for integrating their new digital resources into instruction. Effective professional development maximizes the power of these resources, increases student engagement in learning, and supports the continued academic development of all learners.   

“Scholarship Prep Schools takes tremendous pride in supporting our students’ academic growth and development with best-in-class learning resources,” said Taylor Ellis, Scholarship Prep Schools’ Chief Academic Officer. “We chose Discovery Education’s digital services because they give our teachers powerful, classroom-tested digital solutions proven to improve academic achievement. We look forward to integrating these digital resources into instruction as soon as possible.” 

All educators using Discovery Education’s digital resources have access to the Discovery Educator Network. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration. 

 “Discovery Education is proud to support Scholarship Prep Schools’ efforts to serve the students of Southern California,” said Discovery Education Account Executive Rachel Sholtis. “Their innovative work to provide all PK-8 learners—especially those experiencing homelessness or in the foster care system—a high-quality education that prepares them for future success is an inspiration to the Discovery Education team.” 

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.