Fort Thomas Schools Showcase Emerging Classroom Tech

FORT THOMAS, Kentucky, March 23, 2016 – McGraw Hill, a learning science company, and Fort Thomas Independent Schools (FTIS), the top-ranked K-12 district in Kentucky, this week will invite Kentucky education leaders to take an in-depth, on-site look at how the latest digital learning solutions are transforming teaching and learning throughout the district. The open house, taking place on Thursday, March 24, at 8 a.m. at Highlands Middle School in Fort Thomas, will discuss the impact that education technologies like McGraw-Hill's Thrive are already having on students and teachers, and the transformative role that they play in the classroom.

“The Fort Thomas Independent School District is widely respected for its commitment not only to digital innovation but to overall academic excellence, and we are incredibly proud to be involved in helping to further that vision on both fronts,” said Christine Willig, president of McGraw-Hill's K-12 group. “As the FTIS continues to work toward their goal of delivering 21st century learning outcomes and experiences for all students, we hope that their successes will encourage other districts to explore similarly innovative strategies.”

In 2013, FTIS embarked on a bold, five-year plan to transform teaching and learning through the use of emerging technologies to ensure that students are truly prepared for future success in a global, knowledge-based economy. The district’s digital conversion plan includes the rollout of new devices; the launch of a new learning management system; the implementation of digital-first curriculums; the addition of technical and instructional support staff; and a complete overhaul of network infrastructure.

McGraw-Hill's work with FTIS has centered on the implementation of Thrive, a digital learning and teaching program with core McGraw-Hill content. The solution has been shown to foster collaboration and connectivity, and to simultaneously simplify and maximize learning by providing real‐time feedback to inform and adapt instruction.

“Students need engaging and challenging learning experiences that foster creativity, curiosity and innovation, and FTIS’s digital conversion is central to achieving that mission,” said Gene Kirchner, superintendent of Fort Thomas Independent Schools. “Through our digital curriculum and our partnership with McGraw-Hill, we’re helping to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to grow academically and ultimately to achieve success in the global workforce.”

The March 24 open house will begin at 8 a.m. at Highlands Middle School. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Kate Taylor at kate.taylor@mheducation.com.