San Ramon Valley Unified School District

Engaging students through innovation hubs: SRVUSD has numerous programs to advance equity, access and excellence for every student. In 2018, with the funds donated from the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, Charlotte Wood Middle School and Gale Ranch Middle School opened “innovation hubs”. These hubs are equipped with technology and supplies meant to help teachers promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students in classrooms throughout the district.

The “innovation hubs” were created with the vision of supplying students and teachers with material that will make them more adaptable and experienced in dealing with new innovations and technology. Students are able to work with robotics kits, coding materials, virtual reality cameras, and various design challenges. Teachers from every district school can access the technology and materials offered, which can be used by a variety of grade levels. A STEM coordinator supports schools in implementing curriculum and innovative practices.

Investing in maker education: Resource Area For Teachers (RAFT) has supported the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s STEM, NGSS and Makerspace initiatives since 2014. This vision and partnership has expanded with the Cal High Integrated Maker Education (CHIME) Program. The vision of the program is to create a continuum of STEAM learning in SRVUSD feeder areas where trained teachers collaborate and inspire innovation, creativity, curiosity and problem solving in students through materials and activities in stimulating student-centered Makerspaces.

Promoting social-emotional learning: The district hires Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) liaisons for all school sites to support with their Strategic Directions of Deep Learning and Innovation, Social Emotional Well-Being, and Equity. They empower schools and staff to facilitate high levels of academic and socio-emotional learning for all students. Liaisons attend weekly training sessions to engage in discussions and professional development to advance equity, access, and excellence.