MERIDEN — The school system was recently recognized by a national education organization for its digital technology efforts.
Meriden Public Schools was one of 10 districts nationwide that received the Learning Counsel’s 2018 Digital Curriculum Strategy Awards.
Districts were “recognized for their transformational work in creating digital ecosystems that catalyze the learning experience and offer increased opportunities for both students and educators,” according to a statement from the Learning Counsel.
“It’s always a great honor to be one of 10 districts nationally to be recognized for innovation and forward thinking,” School Superintendent Mark Benigni said. “I think the award is really a great credit to our staff and students, who have embraced digital transformation.”
Benigni said in recent years, the school system has embedded more digital content into its curriculum. Every student also has their own computer device. He feels technology has helped personalize learning and engage students.
“The whole goal is, ‘How do you leverage technology to get better results for students?’” Benigni said.
The Learning Counsel, founded in 2014, is a “research institute and news media hub, focused on providing context for the shift in education to digital curriculum,” according to its website. The organization said Meriden “aligned technology and curriculum to ensure that technology was infused in all aspects of course content.”
The Meriden school district was asked to apply for the award by the Learning Counsel after the organization held an event at Platt High School.
“With devices in the hands of students, key digital content partners onboard, and staff supports in place, Meriden’s transformation increased rigor and opportunities for all students and led to the highest academic gains in district history,” the organization said.
Meriden was the only system in the Northeast region to receive the award. The other nine school districts recognized are from California, Texas, Washington, Minnesota, Arizona, and Georgia.
Benigni traveled to Houston in late November to receive the award at the Learning Counsel’s 2018 Annual Gathering and National Awards event.
By Matthew Zabierek, Record-Journal staff
