News Details

We are proud to announce Sunnyvale School District’s acceptance into a global learning cohort dedicated to improving outcomes for newcomer students. 

Approximately 9% of students in our school district are classified as “newcomers,” defined as first-time English Learners who were born outside the United States, have lived in the country for three years or less, and are new to the U.S. school system. 

Digital Promise, a global nonprofit, leads the cohort and works to expand opportunities for every learner by bridging research, practice, and technology.  Through Digital Promise, SSD educators will share local challenges and potential solutions, engage in virtual learning sessions and collaborative Design Studios, and implement and share effective strategies with schools around the world that serve newcomer students equitably and effectively. 

Participation in the Digital Promise Global cohort directly supports the district’s strategic priorities, including:  

• Students Receive Equitable Opportunities for Growth  

• Students Achieve Mastery of Core Content Areas 

“I thank SSD staff for their engagement in this important work,” said Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite. “Your commitment to learning and implementing new strategies is what makes initiatives like this successful. I also thank our community members for helping our school district create an environment where every student can thrive. It is imperative that we learn alongside education leaders across the globe who are actively refining how schools can best serve newcomer students.”

This cohort allows the district to tap into a global network of educators who model proven strategies and community-centered approaches. By learning from international best practices, SSD can more effectively support students and families arriving from other countries and strengthen the academic experience for every student in our school district.