Stepinac's Cutting-Edge Digital Learning Earns Praise from Expert

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Archbishop Stepinac High School has again been recognized for leadership in digital learning, particularly its flipped and blended classroom model which has students interact online with what would once have been delivered by lecture.

“Stepinac is truly a model for high school education in America," said Daniel Williamson, Managing Director of OpenStax at Rice University, who visited the school in February to learn more about the school’s advanced personalized blended learning environment. In a report about his observations, he concluded:

“Stepinac is leading the way in implementing a cutting-edge, technology-enabled school. Their leadership in the areas of blended learning using digital curriculum is not only producing better learning, but is better preparing students to become globally competitive.”

Among Williamson’s observations were how Stepinac’s “program saves considerable costs and is popular with teachers and students who observe increased efficiency and improved engagement” and how it “resulted in higher test scores, coupled with lower probation and failure rates.”

He also noted: “Stepinac’s teachers use a flipped and blended classroom model where students review course material that would traditionally be “taught” in class via lecture. They review this material through their online learning platforms. Doing so allows for a more interactive in-class instruction experience.”

Williamson added: “They are light-years beyond what I have seen deployed at other schools. The teachers with whom I had the pleasure of speaking are excited about the great resources available to them, and it appears that they are actively exploring ways to continue to grow their use of advanced technology offerings.”

Frank Portanova, Stepinac Vice Principal for Academics and Curriculum who was instrumental in developing and implementing Stepinac’s innovative learning program including the first-of- its-kind all-digital textbook library, said in a press release that the observations of a leading authority on digital learning like Mr. Williamson “once again affirm that Stepinac has become a standard bearer for curriculum innovation.”

He added: “Since we deployed this capability four years ago and have continued to enhance it, we have seen the difference it is making in preparing students for post- secondary success. We not only want them to succeed in college but in an ever increasingly competitive world. These innovations, combined with a talented and committed faculty, will help assure our students have a competitive advantage.”

PHOTO: Daniel Williamson/ contributed