Utica Community Schools expands "techbook" use

Real science in real time is now a reality in Utica Community Schools elementary classrooms, thanks to an expanded partnership with Discovery Education.

UCS – Michigan’s second largest school district – has expanded the use of Discovery Education’s Techbook at all elementary schools.

The Techbook, first piloted in grades 3-6 at eight schools in 2012, is a transition from traditional textbooks to quality digital content, including video, interactive text, simulations, virtual and hands-on labs, and a full glossary with animations, audio, and video.

The series is designed to support multiple reading levels, promote personalized learning via different pathways through content, enable project and inquiry-based learning, and enhance critical thinking.

“Our district remains committed to providing our teachers and students with high quality digital tools to support teaching and learning,” said Dr. Christine Johns, UCS superintendent. “Our teachers and students have access to the latest information in a format that is familiar to our students and creates more excitement for the real-world applications of science.”

After a successful pilot in 2012, the district expanded the use of Techbook to all elementary students in grades 3-6 in 2013. This year, the program will be in use in all K-6 classrooms at the district’s 25 elementary schools.

The expansion follows two years of student achievement growth in classrooms using the Techbook. For the original eight pilot schools, students demonstrated a two percent increase in their fifth-grade standardized science tests after using Techbook. Last year, students in grades 3-6 outpaced their national peers through the NWEA Science assessment.

“We are thrilled to build on our successful partnership with Utica Community Schools to extend learning beyond the walls of the classroom with Discovery Education Science Techbook,” said Jason Barnes, vice president of Discovery Education. “Not only is the district providing engaging resources to their students, but the customized professional development sessions provided for Utica educators by Discovery Education experts will continue to be an integral component in the district’s successful transition to digital textbooks.”