This document discusses the experiences of several school districts that were early adopters of the eSpark educational technology program. It describes how Utica Community Schools in Michigan, Piedmont Elementary School in Alabama, and Elizabeth Forward School District in Pennsylvania all saw improvements in student outcomes like growth, engagement, and college readiness after implementing eSpark. Testimonials from administrators at these districts praise eSpark's ability to support differentiated learning and provide data on student achievement. The document aims to convince other schools that partnering with eSpark can help close achievement gaps even if they are the first in their state or region to use the program.

1. So, you’re thinking about eSpark…

2. By this point, you know that differentiated learning is
a necessity, not a luxury.

3. You believe that access to educational technology can help close
the achievement gap and engage gifted learners.

4. You want to meet the needs of all of your students,

5. but there aren’t enough hours in the day for teachers to
differentiate at scale.

6. You know there’s a solution, but you’re struggling to commit.

7. After all, you’d be the first in your state to partner with eSpark.

8. We get it.
It’s hard to be the first to try something new.

9. But we wanted to make sure you heard the news…

10. You might be the first district in your state to give us a try, but partner
with eSpark and you’ll be in great company.

11. Over 100 innovative districts in 24 states are currently using eSpark,

12. and some of our most successful partners were the first adopters in
their region.

13. Take, for example, Utica Community Schools,
the first district in Michigan to use eSpark:

14. Utica Community Schools
Sterling Heights, MI in the heart of the auto industry
18, 795 students in K-8

15. Utica Community Schools
Sterling Heights, MI in the heart of the auto industry
18, 795 students in K-8

16. Utica Community Schools
Sterling Heights, MI in the heart of the auto industry
18,795 students in K-8

17. Utica Community Schools
Sterling Heights, MI in the heart of the auto industry
18,795 students in K-8
iPads and eSpark used in rotating centers
with targeted small group instruction

18. Utica Community Schools
In 2011, the administration at
Utica Community Schools
began evaluating options for
integrating technology into
their 83 kindergarten
classrooms across 25
elementary buildings.

19. Utica Community Schools
In 2011, the administration at
Utica Community Schools
began evaluating options for
integrating technology into
their 83 kindergarten
classrooms across 25
elementary buildings.
UCS was transitioning to full-day
kindergarten and voters had
recently approved a bond issue to
fund technology improvements.
District leaders knew that
technology alone wouldn’t
transform student learning.

20. Utica Community Schools
In 2011, the administration at
Utica Community Schools
began evaluating options for
integrating technology into
their 83 kindergarten
classrooms across 25
elementary buildings.
UCS was transitioning to full-day
kindergarten and voters had
recently approved a bond issue to
fund technology improvements.
District leaders knew that
technology alone wouldn’t
transform student learning.
SOLUTION:
Utica partnered with eSpark to create differentiated learning plans
aligned to individual student needs.

21. After using eSpark from 2013-2014…

22. The number of K-2 UCS students on track for
college more than doubled
After using eSpark from 2013-2014…

23. The number of K-2 UCS students on track for
college more than doubled
K-2 UCS students using eSpark grew an
average of 15 percentile points on the NWEA
MAP
After using eSpark from 2013-2014…

24. The number of K-2 UCS students on track for
college more than doubled
K-2 academic growth exceeded annual
expectations in both goal and non-goal
domains
K-2 UCS students using eSpark grew an
average of 15 percentile points on the NWEA
MAP
After using eSpark from 2013-2014…

27. Currently, over 6,300 K-2 students
are using eSpark in rotating stations at
Utica Community Schools.

28. Since partnering with eSpark in 2011, UCS’
administration has received national recognition.
National Connected Superintendent
White House Summit

29. With eSpark, UCS has 24/7 support every step of the way.

30. Just ask district superintendent Dr. Christine Johns:

31. “With eSpark, they have
been with us, boots on the
ground, from the
beginning… Principals,
secretaries, and teachers
actually think that the
eSpark staff is part of our
staff.“
How would you describe your district’s
experience with eSpark?

32. Does eSpark work in smaller, more rural schools?

33. You bet! Check out Piedmont Elementary School, the first school in
Alabama to pilot eSpark:

34. Piedmont Elementary School
City of Piedmont, in rural northeast AL

35. Piedmont Elementary School
City of Piedmont, in rural northeast AL

36. Piedmont Elementary School
City of Piedmont, in rural northeast AL
1,240 students across K-12, 68% low income population

37. Piedmont Elementary School
City of Piedmont, in rural northeast AL
1,240 students across K-12, 68% low income population
1:1 iPads and eSpark

38. Piedmont Elementary School
A small, rural school in a
town that had recently lost
over 1,000 jobs, Piedmont
decided to extend its iPad
initiative to grades K-2.

39. Piedmont Elementary School
A small, rural school in a
town that had recently lost
over 1,000 jobs, Piedmont
decided to extend its iPad
initiative to grades K-2.
Administrators wanted a reliable way
to access student data and make
sure that classroom devices were
contributing to student growth and
success.

40. Piedmont Elementary School
A small, rural school in a
town that had recently lost
over 1,000 jobs, Piedmont
decided to extend its iPad
initiative to grades K-2.
Administrators wanted a reliable way
to access student data and make
sure that classroom devices were
contributing to student growth and
success.
SOLUTION:
eSpark made sure that individual student learning needs were met and
reported student engagement and academic achievement results
back to Piedmont Elementary School.

41. After using eSpark from Fall 2014 - Spring 2015…

42. After using eSpark from Fall 2014 - Spring 2015…
Piedmont students grew 13 NWEA MAP
percentile points.

43. After using eSpark from Fall 2014 - Spring 2015…
Piedmont students grew 13 NWEA MAP
percentile points.
Piedmont students mastered more than 4,974
state standards.

44. After using eSpark from Fall 2014 - Spring 2015…
Piedmont students grew 13 NWEA MAP
percentile points.
Piedmont students mastered more than 4,974
state standards.
20 Piedmont teachers were adept at using
classroom technology to differentiate learning.

45. Fall 2014 - Spring 2015

46. Fall 2014 - Spring 2015

47. Though Piedmont only recently partnered with eSpark,
the district has a longstanding reputation as one of
Alabama’s most innovative schools.
Praised in article “Can a School’s
Tech Program Take a Rural Town
out of Poverty?”

48. If you still need convincing, look at the success of Elizabeth Forward,
one of the first districts to use eSpark in Pennsylvania:

49. Elizabeth Forward
Elizabeth, PA, south of Pittsburgh

50. Elizabeth Forward
Elizabeth, PA, south of Pittsburgh
1:1 iPads with eSpark

51. Elizabeth Forward
Elizabeth, PA, south of Pittsburgh
2,400 students enrolled in K-12, 40% qualify for free or
reduced price meals

52. Elizabeth Forward
Elizabeth, PA, south of Pittsburgh
2,400 students enrolled in K-12, 40% qualify for free or
reduced price meals
1:1 iPads with eSpark

53. Elizabeth Forward
Recognized as an Apple
Distinguished School,
Elizabeth Forward had a
reputation for innovation

54. Elizabeth Forward
Recognized as an Apple
Distinguished School,
Elizabeth Forward had a
reputation for innovation
Administrators knew they wanted
to use eSpark to differentiate
learning, but there wasn’t room in
the budget to fund a
personalized iPad program.

55. Elizabeth Forward
Recognized as an Apple
Distinguished School,
Elizabeth Forward had a
reputation for innovation
Administrators knew they wanted
to use eSpark to differentiate
learning, but there wasn’t room in
the budget to fund a
personalized iPad program.
SOLUTION:
Administrators cut ineffective programs and reallocated funds to
lease iPads and purchase eSpark.

56. After one semester of eSpark…

57. After one semester of eSpark…
The number of kindergarten students on
track for college more than doubled

58. After one semester of eSpark…
The number of kindergarten students on
track for college more than doubled
Students using eSpark grew 25 national
percentile points on the NWEA MAP

59. After one semester of eSpark…
The number of kindergarten students on
track for college more than doubled
Students using eSpark grew 25 national
percentile points on the NWEA MAP
Elizabeth Forward saw a measurable impact
on student engagement, with 93% of eSpark
activities receiving a positive rating from
students

60. The Number of Kindergarten Students on Track for College
More than Doubled from Winter to Spring 2014

61. Incredible Percentile Growth on NWEA MAP from Winter to
Spring 2014

62. Currently, all K- 6th grade students at
Elizabeth Forward use eSpark. 7th
and 8th grade students in the
district’s SPED and RTI programs are
also using the program with great
success.

63. Considered to be one of the most forward-thinking
districts in the country, Elizabeth Forward has received
public recognition and numerous awards:
Featured in edSurge
community profile

64. Inspired? Check out what Elizabeth Forward
administrators are saying about eSpark…

65. “I’m amazed by eSpark
Learning. I know teachers don’t have
enough time to find which apps are
effective and aligned to each Common
Core standard and grade level.
eSpark does that for us.”
What do you think of eSpark?

66. Want to learn more?

67. Want to learn more?
Call us:
(312) 894-3100
Visit us:
www.esparklearning.com