Grand Island Central School District accepted into national League of Innovative Schools

Grand Island joins other leading school districts as members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools to advance innovation and excellence in education

Submitted by the Grand Island Central School District

Grand Island Central School District has been accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national network of school districts that connects and supports the nation’s most forward-thinking leaders in education.

The League is organized by Digital Promise, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit that advances equitable education systems by bringing together solutions across research, practice and technology.

Grand Island was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants based on its educational leadership, demonstrated commitment to excellence, innovative vision for learning, key achievements and collaborative spirit.

GICSD joined the League of Innovative Schools to connect with forward-thinking districts from across the country, learn from innovative practices, and share ideas that can strengthen teaching and learning on Grand Island.

As a member, the district’s goal is to build meaningful partnerships with other school systems, explore research-backed approaches to shared challenges, and bring new ideas and strategies back to our classrooms and schools.

Grand Island also looks forward to contributing its own experiences and successes to a national community focused on improving outcomes and creating meaningful opportunities for all students.

“Through our commitments to authentic learning, personalized support, and the strategic use of data and technology, teachers are collaborating more intentionally across grade levels and buildings; students are gaining more voice through advisory structures and surveys; and the district has expanded innovative opportunities such as college partnerships, career-connected learning, and exploration of student portfolios,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Graham said. He represents Grand Island in the League.

Leaders, educators and learners across the district gain access to a range of learning opportunities and resources, including:

•Learning inside real systems: Meeting in person with system leaders to experience innovative practices in real classrooms across the country and around the world, and develop action plans for adopting and adapting similar approaches.

•Engaging in peer-to-peer learning: Connecting and collaborating regularly with peers through virtual learning spaces to discuss shared challenges, identify possible solutions, and implement changes that move the needle.

•Co-creating and piloting research-backed approaches: Partnering with Digital Promise researchers and fellow school systems to build a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the community, and develop research-backed solutions that improve student outcomes.

“The best solutions in education right now aren't coming from any one district working alone,” said Jillian Doggett, director of network supports at Digital Promise. “For 15 years, the League has proven that, when leaders see innovative practices firsthand, learn alongside peers facing the same challenges, and co-design research-backed solutions with our team, everyone moves faster. A practice piloted in one classroom becomes a resource for teachers in dozens of districts, and a question one leader raises becomes an answer thousands of students benefit from – that's what membership means for Grand Island: Its educators and students don't just contribute to that progress; they get to draw on it.”

The League welcomes this newest cohort as it celebrates its 15th anniversary, which it is recognizing by elevating stories of impact from districts across the network since its founding. Grand Island and the other new League members collectively represent 175 districts across 37 states, and expands its cumulative impact to over 4.4 million students served over time. The full list of members can be found at digitalpromise.org/districts.

For more information on the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, visit digitalpromise.org/league.

More about Grand Island Central School District: GICSD serves approximately 2,780 students across three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. The district’s boundaries are shared with the Town of Grand Island, and its schools benefit from strong community support and an engaged board of education. Grand Island High School offers a wide range of academic opportunities, including Advanced Placement, college-credit and career-focused programs, as well as STEM and technology offerings designed to support college and career readiness. The district also partners with Erie 1 BOCES to provide students with additional career and technical education opportunities.

More about Digital Promise: A global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for learners and prepare them to thrive on every path ahead, Digital Promise integrates research, practice and technology across the education ecosystem to investigate, design and scale innovations that drive meaningful outcomes. Its vision is that every person engages in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility and security.