- School System to Use Discovery Education Streaming Plus to Create Digital Learning Environments in Extracurricular Settings–
Silver Spring, MD (October 24, 2018) – Mississippi’s Columbia School District (CSD) announced today it has selected Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, as its partner in creating digital learning environments in its before and after school programs. By integrating Discovery Education’s award-winning digital content into its innovative X-STREAM extracurricular program, the Columbia School District is creating one-of-a-kind digital learning experiences that increase participating students’ love of learning.
CSD is committed to ensuring that all students reach their potential to become responsible, productive citizens through a quality K-12 education. To reach this goal, the district utilized Federal funds to create the X-STREAM program, which helps students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, particularly in reading, science, and math. Focusing on X-ing out learning gaps by providing eXplicit instruction and eXperiences in STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math), X-STREAM offers participants a broad array of enrichment activities that complement the students’ regular academic programs.
The X-STREAM before school programs “XL Period” operate five days per week for 45 minutes per day immediately before the regular school day. The X-STREAM after school programs “Power Hour” operate three days per week for two hours per day immediately following the regular school day. During the program hours, students have time to explore hands-on activities, complete individual assignments, or work collaboratively in small groups while acquiring 21 century skills. Beginning later this fall, X-STREAM will be supported by Discovery Education’s Streaming Plus digital content service.
Discovery Education Streaming Plus is an award-winning comprehensive digital service supplementing instruction across all K-12 curricular areas. The streaming service helps build students’ mastery in interpreting, understanding, and evaluating information. Students can access a variety of digital assets including images, primary source documents, podcasts, oral interviews, articles, videos, interactives, and more, and are empowered to become content creators with a suite of content creation tools that help teachers and students safely and easily collaborate in real-time on virtual projects. Teacher resources include lesson plans, instructional strategies, interactive learning courses, and content collections organized around themes, as well as a collection of new STEM/STEAM resources designed to fuel a cultural shift in teaching and learning.
“Every member of the Columbia School District team is dedicated to making sure that each of our students graduates prepared for success in college or the career of their choice,” said Lisa White, Columbia School District’s Director of Federal Programs. “Initiatives like our X-STREAM program are critical to this effort and we believe Discovery Education’s digital content will play an important role in motivating our students to come to the program to learn in a new and fascinating way.”
CSD’s educators will also be supported by the Discovery Education Community as they transform students’ learning experiences with dynamic digital media. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing and inspiration.
“Discovery Education is proud to be a part of Columbia School District’s efforts to support the success of all students,” said Hope Johnson, Discovery Education’s National Partnership Coordinator. “We look forward to supporting educators across the district as they create unforgettable learning experiences for students participating in the X-STREAM program.”
For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit , and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through , follow us on Twitter at , or find us on and .
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About Discovery Education
As the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12 classrooms worldwide, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional learning, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are available in approximately half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries around the globe. Inspired by the global media company Discovery Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Explore the future of education at .
