Gulf Shores City Schools was accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national coalition of forward-thinking K-12 school districts organized by Digital Promise, a nonprofit organization with the mission to accelerate innovation in education and improve the opportunity to learn for all through technology and research.

Gulf Shores City Schools was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants based on its educational leadership, innovative vision for learning, key achievements and evidence of results and demonstrated commitment to equity and excellence.

“We look forward to sharing the innovative work that our teachers and students are doing related to the Gulf Coast environment and sustainability along with the district’s efforts to implement personalized learning. Most importantly, we look forward to collaborating with the most innovative school districts in the country. Our students, teachers and community will benefit greatly from our membership in the League of Innovative Schools,” said Gulf Shores Superintendent, Dr. Matt Akin.

The Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, launched at the White House under President Barack Obama within the United States Department of Education in 2011, accepts new members through an open application process once per year.

“Now more than ever, the League of Innovative Schools recognizes the impact that equity, access and opportunity can have on student outcomes,” said Dewayne J. McClary, director of the League of Innovative Schools. “The League strives to build a collaborative of close-knit districts that work together to eradicate the impact of inequitable practices, outdated instruction and resources and districts working in silos. Part of our mission is to transform the system and policies that create barriers for marginalized students.”

Working at the intersection of education leaders, researchers and developers, Digital Promise and the League of Innovative Schools provide an environment for superintendents and district leader to share and learn from best practices; leverage research and participate in continuous improvement models; engage in research and development projects with peers to address education’s biggest challenges; and implement new technologies and innovations in their school systems.

In addition to superintendents’ participation, there are also opportunities for other school administrators, principals and teachers from member districts to participate in League and Digital Promise-related initiatives.

The League will officially welcome new members at its fall hybrid meeting Oct. 20-22, 2021, held online and in-person in Washington, D.C. The new members’ entrance into the League extends the network’s reach to 125 districts across 34 states and expands its cumulative impact to 3.8 million students served over time.

For more information on the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, visit digitalpromise.org/league.