Schools
Utica Community School learning model earns national recognition for innovation and student success
UCS named among nation's Districts of Distinction
Utica Community Schools is among only 62 school districts honored nationally for providing innovative programs that have a direct impact on student success.
The district’s early elementary personalized blended learning initiative has earned a “District of Distinction” award from the national District Administration magazine.
“We are pleased to honor Utica Community Schools as a District of Distinction,” said JD Solomon, the magazine’s editorial director. “Like all our honorees, UCS serves as a model for school leaders across the country.”
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The Utica Community Schools: College Readiness Begins in Kindergarten program was recognized in the individualized/personalized learning category by the magazine.
The digital-based personalized blended learning model was initially implemented in kindergarten classrooms more than two years ago with the Class of 2025, reaching nearly 2,000 students. The model has since been extended into first and second grades, impacting a total of 6,000 students this year.
“Thanks to our teachers who are setting the pace for our youngest learners, UCS students are becoming confident learners and experiencing dramatic growth in achievement,” Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. “We see them growing in terms of time on-task, setting their own goals and following through to achieve those goals. It’s exciting to watch them develop their own passion for learning.”
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Following implementation of the program, the percentage of kindergarten students on a college pathway more than doubled on a national assessment.
Districts of Distinction honors are awarded by a team of District Administration’s editors. Nominees are ranked on the clarity of a district’s challenge, how innovative or homegrown the solution was and how strong the results were in terms of data and newsworthiness.
The honored programs were also selected based on their ability to be replicated in other communities with similar challenges.
