Thomas Clasby
On Nov. 19, 2014, Poway Unified School District superintendent John Collins was welcomed to the White House by President Barack Obama.
Collins was one of a hundred superintendents selected nationally for their exemplary role in transitioning their school districts to digital learning.
“What a day at #FutureReady!” Collins tweeted. “One I’ll never forget. Honored to represent @powayusd at @WhiteHouse!”
This recognition is part of Obama’s ConnectED initiative, a program which intends to connect 99% of students to school internet over the next five years.
“It is our goal as a district to provide digital access to all and to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on or an afterthought,” Collins said for Pomerado News. “Technology is the lens through which we all, including our students, experience much of our world; it is a powerful, ever-changing toolbox we need to equip our students with in order to fully prepare them for the future.”
Less than 40 percent of America’s public schools have high-speed Internet in classrooms, according to The Herald Bulletin.
“In a country where we expect free Wi-Fi with our coffee, the least we can do is expect that our schools are properly wired,” Obama said during a press conference.
Over 1,200 school superintendents have signed the pledge to foster a culture of learning through technology across their schools, assist their students and families in the transition to high-speed connectivity, provide their learners greater access to high-quality digital devices and content, and to provide teachers and principals the support needed to use technology in innovative ways.
“Every kid needs every superintendent in America to sign this pledge — and then follow through on the pledge,” Obama said. “Our kids need every school district to make these commitments. Every child […] deserves a shot at a world-class education”
PUSD’s transition to technology has helped to garner its rank as the eighth best school district in California.
