Penda Learning was implemented in Title I Elementary schools in the 2020-21 school year. The program was also piloted at three junior high schools and five high schools. Penda is a program that offers differentiated instructional modules that teachers can use to meet the needs of students at various achievement levels. The program also offers remediation modules to assist teachers and students with preparation for the Statewide Science Assessment (SSA) and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments.

Penda Learning offers differentiated instructional and remediation modules for grades 3-8 and biology that allow teachers to meet the needs of every student in their classroom. Programs such as Penda are an essential component of blended learning, which is a necessity for student achievement. Each highly engaging instructional module is aligned to our current Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS)  benchmarks and features differentiated instruction in the form of developing, achieving, and excelling modules for each benchmark. Lessons use real-world experiences and authentic situations to teach essential skills. Explicit instruction makes concepts concrete and addresses the root cause of any specific areas of student need. Penda’s automated reports provide insightful data to monitor progress and target interventions within a Response to Intervention (RTI) or Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.

Delivery is flexible: during school, before/after school, in-class/pull-out, summer school, at home, computer lab, and a host of other settings. Penda operates on a “gamification” platform, which allows students to choose virtual avatars from a highly diverse list so that students from all backgrounds can feel represented. Students are able to compete with classmates and unlock new accessories for their virtual avatars based on the points they earn from the modules.

The schools that used the program demonstrated an overall increase in district local science assessments scores.  Penda experienced a high level of student usage in the 2020-21 school year.

The district will increase proficiency in science scores and set proficiency targets in 2021-22 based on proficiency achievement in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Goal 1: Develop a High Quality & Aligned Instructional System

Strategy 1.1 Develop and maintain high-quality curriculum frameworks and guides.

Strategy 1.4 Explore innovative program options for rigorous opportunities at the elementary and secondary levels.

That the School Board approve the purchase of Penda Learning for the 2021-2022 through 2022- 2023, and 2023-2024 school years