Educators across Florida are increasingly turning to Penda Learning to transform their science curricula and ignite a passion for science in their students. This innovative online science curriculum has garnered widespread acclaim for its ability to align with educational standards, prioritize data privacy, and seamlessly integrate with existing school systems. More importantly, Penda Learning stands out for its unique approach to engaging students and fostering a genuine enthusiasm for scientific exploration.
Shaylia McRae, Chief of Transformation at Hillsborough County Public Schools (FL), highlights Penda Learning’s comprehensive features, stating, “As we reviewed options for online science curriculum, Penda really stood out. It checks all the boxes in terms of meeting content alignment, data privacy, and interoperability standards, and it saves teachers time with auto assignments based on our curriculum scope and sequence.” The efficiency and alignment of Penda Learning are crucial for educators seeking to streamline their teaching processes while ensuring curriculum fidelity.
The practical benefits of Penda Learning extend to easing the burden on teachers. Ryan Widdowsen, Supervisor of Federal Programs at Clay County School District (FL), emphasizes this aspect: “Penda was a way to ensure that kids could get the science content that they needed and it would lighten the load for teachers. Teachers could either use Penda within the day, as a teaching tool, or they could provide small group instruction with students on their computers. With Penda they could also use it as a homework assignment.” This flexibility and adaptability make Penda Learning a versatile tool for diverse teaching strategies and learning environments.
For schools facing specific challenges in science education, Penda Learning offers a compelling solution. Georgia Waddups, Assistant Principal at Duval Charter Scholars Academy (FL), shares how Penda Learning addressed their school’s needs: “For our school, in particular, science has been a push… So what Penda has done is allow us during the pandemic time for the kids to have a fun, engaging option, when their teacher isn’t instructing for science. Not only does it supplement the Florida standards that are going to be assessed, but the kids really dig the games and things.” Penda Learning’s engaging activities and game-like simulations are particularly effective in capturing student interest and reinforcing learning, especially in contexts where reading proficiency might be a barrier to science comprehension.
The seamless integration and student engagement fostered by Penda Learning are further underscored by Anthony Tyrkala, Principal at Aventura City of Excellence School (FL), who notes, “To have something that is aligned that engages students really just felt like a natural fit.” This sentiment is echoed by Delonjie Tyson, Science SAL & Coach at Jennings Middle School (FL), who witnessed firsthand the positive impact on student learning and teacher workload: “Teachers [said] Penda really made life easy, and I saw the results in my classroom –– that kids were able to show or re-learn something that maybe they didn’t get before.”
In conclusion, Penda Learning is proving to be a transformative force in science education. Its ability to engage students, support teachers, and align with educational goals makes it an invaluable asset for schools seeking to elevate their science curriculum and inspire the next generation of scientists. The testimonials from Florida educators highlight the tangible benefits and positive impact of Penda Learning, solidifying its position as a leading solution in digital science education.
