Innovative First Adopters

So, you’re thinking about eSpark…

By this point, you know that differentiated learning is a necessity, not a luxury.

You believe that access to educational technology can help close the achievement gap and engage gifted learners.

You want to meet the needs of all of your students,

but there aren’t enough hours in the day for teachers to differentiate at scale.

You know there’s a solution, but you’re struggling to commit.

After all, you’d be the first in your state to partner with eSpark.

We get it. It’s hard to be the first to try something new.

But we wanted to make sure you heard the news…

You might be the first district in your state to give us a try, but partner with eSpark and you’ll be in great company.

Over 100 innovative districts in 24 states are currently using eSpark,

and some of our most successful partners were the first adopters in their region.

Take, for example, Utica Community Schools, the first district in Michigan to use eSpark:

Utica Community Schools

Sterling Heights, MI in the heart of the auto industry

18, 795 students in K-8



18,795 students in K-8



18,795 students in K-8

iPads and eSpark used in rotating centers with targeted small group instruction


In 2011, the administration at Utica Community Schools

began evaluating options for integrating technology into

their 83 kindergarten classrooms across 25 elementary buildings.





UCS was transitioning to full-day kindergarten and voters had

recently approved a bond issue to fund technology improvements.

District leaders knew that technology alone wouldn’t transform student learning.





UCS was transitioning to full-day kindergarten and voters had

recently approved a bond issue to fund technology improvements.

District leaders knew that technology alone wouldn’t transform student learning.

SOLUTION: Utica partnered with eSpark to create differentiated learning plans

aligned to individual student needs.

After using eSpark from 2013-2014…

The number of K-2 UCS students on track for college more than doubled



K-2 UCS students using eSpark grew an average of 15 percentile points on the NWEA

MAP



K-2 academic growth exceeded annual expectations in both goal and non-goal

domains

K-2 UCS students using eSpark grew an average of 15 percentile points on the NWEA

MAP


Currently, over 6,300 K-2 students are using eSpark in rotating stations at

Utica Community Schools.

Since partnering with eSpark in 2011, UCS’ administration has received national recognition.

National Connected Superintendent White House Summit

With eSpark, UCS has 24/7 support every step of the way.

Just ask district superintendent Dr. Christine Johns:

“With eSpark, they have been with us, boots on the

ground, from the beginning… Principals,

secretaries, and teachers actually think that the

eSpark staff is part of our staff.“

How would you describe your district’s experience with eSpark?

Does eSpark work in smaller, more rural schools?

You bet! Check out Piedmont Elementary School, the first school in Alabama to pilot eSpark:

Piedmont Elementary School

City of Piedmont, in rural northeast AL



1,240 students across K-12, 68% low income population



1,240 students across K-12, 68% low income population

1:1 iPads and eSpark


A small, rural school in a town that had recently lost over 1,000 jobs, Piedmont decided to extend its iPad

initiative to grades K-2.




Administrators wanted a reliable way to access student data and make sure that classroom devices were

contributing to student growth and success.




Administrators wanted a reliable way to access student data and make sure that classroom devices were

contributing to student growth and success.

SOLUTION: eSpark made sure that individual student learning needs were met and

reported student engagement and academic achievement results back to Piedmont Elementary School.

After using eSpark from Fall 2014 - Spring 2015…


Piedmont students grew 13 NWEA MAP percentile points.



Piedmont students mastered more than 4,974 state standards.



Piedmont students mastered more than 4,974 state standards.

20 Piedmont teachers were adept at using classroom technology to differentiate learning.

Fall 2014 - Spring 2015

Though Piedmont only recently partnered with eSpark, the district has a longstanding reputation as one of Alabama’s most innovative schools.

Praised in article “Can a School’s Tech Program Take a Rural Town

out of Poverty?”

If you still need convincing, look at the success of Elizabeth Forward, one of the first districts to use eSpark in Pennsylvania:

Elizabeth Forward

Elizabeth, PA, south of Pittsburgh

Elizabeth Forward


1:1 iPads with eSpark

Elizabeth Forward


2,400 students enrolled in K-12, 40% qualify for free or reduced price meals

Elizabeth Forward


2,400 students enrolled in K-12, 40% qualify for free or reduced price meals

1:1 iPads with eSpark

Elizabeth Forward

Recognized as an Apple Distinguished School,

Elizabeth Forward had a reputation for innovation

Elizabeth Forward



Administrators knew they wanted to use eSpark to differentiate

learning, but there wasn’t room in the budget to fund a

personalized iPad program.

Elizabeth Forward



Administrators knew they wanted to use eSpark to differentiate

learning, but there wasn’t room in the budget to fund a

personalized iPad program.

SOLUTION: Administrators cut ineffective programs and reallocated funds to

lease iPads and purchase eSpark.

After one semester of eSpark…


The number of kindergarten students on track for college more than doubled



Students using eSpark grew 25 national percentile points on the NWEA MAP



Students using eSpark grew 25 national percentile points on the NWEA MAP

Elizabeth Forward saw a measurable impact on student engagement, with 93% of eSpark

activities receiving a positive rating from students

The Number of Kindergarten Students on Track for College More than Doubled from Winter to Spring 2014

Incredible Percentile Growth on NWEA MAP from Winter to Spring 2014

Currently, all K- 6th grade students at Elizabeth Forward use eSpark. 7th

and 8th grade students in the district’s SPED and RTI programs are

also using the program with great success.

Considered to be one of the most forward-thinking districts in the country, Elizabeth Forward has received public recognition and numerous awards:

Featured in edSurge community profile

Inspired? Check out what Elizabeth Forward administrators are saying about eSpark…

“I’m amazed by eSpark Learning. I know teachers don’t have enough time to find which apps are

effective and aligned to each Common Core standard and grade level.

eSpark does that for us.”

What do you think of eSpark?

Want to learn more?

Want to learn more?

Call us: (312) 894-3100

Visit us: www.esparklearning.com

https://esparklearning.com/

Innovative First Adopters

Education

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