Microsoft names Most Innovative Schools across the globe

The 99 new Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder and Mentor Schools from 51 countries have proven strong school leadership and demonstrated a record of innovation and successful change implementation. Developed as a result of dramatically improved outcomes when students are supported by a deeper level of commitment and investment at the school level, the Microsoft Innovative Schools Program encourages all school leaders to think big and to discover and implement best practices that increase innovation in their schools.

The Microsoft Innovative Schools Program is an educational program that is part of Microsoft’s Partners in Learning Program, a 10-year, nearly $500 million commitment to help transform education systems around the world by connecting teachers and school leaders in a community of professional development.

As part of its commitment to providing real impact toward improving education and supporting a holistic transformation of learning, the Microsoft Innovative Schools Program helps school leaders transform their school communities into environments that foster innovative teaching practices and 21st century learning by providing the tools and resources needed for greater impact on educational transformation and student preparation. Through the program, school leaders become part of a global learning community and gain access to expert advice and mentoring.

“These schools have proved the impact that can be had on student success when technology is creatively and appropriately incorporated into the classroom curriculum,” said Anthony Salcito, vice president, Worldwide Education, Microsoft. “We know technology alone does not improve student outcomes; it’s the schools that undergo systematic change, rethinking curriculum design and assessment, school leadership, teacher capacity, and learning environments that make the world of difference for our students and their futures.”

Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder and Mentor Schools are making the most of these benefits provided to them and are selected through a rigorous application process that includes written and video documentation.

Microsoft Innovative Mentor Schools go a step further to share best practices with Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder Schools, help them develop a vision and help them implement a plan to transform the way their schools operate.

Representatives from the 2012–2013 Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder and Mentor Schools will attend the Partners in Learning Global Forum, November 28–December 1 in Prague, Czech Republic.

Today’s announcement comes on the eve of World Teachers’ Day, established in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate the profession and to promote international standards for teaching; the theme this year is “Take a Stand for Teachers!”

On this day each year, UNESCO calls for the creation of supportive and enriching environments, adequate teacher training, and safeguards for the rights of teachers. UNESCO estimates 1.7 million more teacher positions are required to reach Universal Primary Education goals by 2015.

Increasing its support for educators, Microsoft launched the Technology and Teacher Education Initiative at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, providing colleges of teacher education the resources they need to prepare the next generation of innovative educators.

The Microsoft Innovative Schools Program is open to any primary or secondary school worldwide that has a focus on creating a culture of innovation that advances the use of Microsoft technology in the learning process as well as enables students to develop 21st century skills.

Schools must sign up for the Partners in Learning Network, a free network giving school leaders and teachers access to a broad range of resources, content, assessment tools, training events, videos, monthly virtual universities, participation in local-level Partners in Learning forums and the Partners in Learning School Research tool to help measure their own innovation.

Those schools seeking a deeper level of engagement in the program can then apply to become a Microsoft Innovative Pathfinder School and work toward achieving Microsoft Innovative Mentor School status.