Cedar Rapids district selected for national network of innovative schools

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Community School District has been accepted into a national network for forward-thinking educators called the League of Innovative Schools.

As a member of the league, the district will gain access to a network of educators, researchers and technology experts from across the country. This will give it access to cutting-edge educational practices and bring innovative strategies into schools, according to a district news release. The district pays no membership fees, but does pay travel and registration fees associated with its membership.

The membership comes as the district prepares to launch its college and career academies and pathways that is expected to graduate students who are better prepared for high-wage, high-skill and in-demand careers.

“We are transforming what’s possible for the students of Cedar Rapids and shaping a future where every learner is equipped, empowered and engaged to excel,” Tawana Grover, superintendent of the Cedar Rapids district, said in a statement.

“As we prepare to launch our Future Ready College and Career Academies and Pathways, this membership will provide essential support in areas like (artificial intelligence), biotechnology, engineering, and more, benefiting both students and educators,” Grover said. “We will benefit from learning best practices that can help us remove barriers, transform our students’ learning experiences, and strengthen our schools.“

The Cedar Rapids district is one of two in Iowa and about 150 across 32 states that are members of the league. The other Iowa member is the Iowa City Community School District.

As a part of the league, the Cedar Rapids district will be able to contribute to national conversations on educational innovation and bring new ideas, technology and practices back to the district to benefit students, staff and the community, said Adam Zimmermann, executive director of innovation for the Cedar Rapids district.

Educators in the league have access to unique opportunities that allow them to co-create and pilot innovative practices in their own schools.

The Cedar Rapids district is launching 9th grade freshman academies for the 2025-26 school year that will provide avenues for high school students to explore their career interests. Three career pathway-specific academies will launch at Jefferson and Kennedy high schools for 10th-12th graders for the 2026-27 school year.

The district’s third traditional high school, Kennedy, will offer a slightly different version of college and career education, called pathways. Pathways are series of three or more courses with a specific college and career focus. Students in a pathway can take courses alongside peers with broader career interests for a more traditional high school experience.

The League of Innovative Schools is organized by Digital Promise, a global nonprofit that aims to to expand opportunities for all learners by bridging research, practice and technology to enable groundbreaking educational solutions. The league launched in 2011.

Thirty school districts were accepted into the league for the 2024-25 school year based on their commitment to equity, excellence and innovation in education, according to a news release from the league.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com