Ignite Initiative

 

The Raytown School District is dedicated to providing a quality education with many opportunities for academic growth and success. Research shows that students’ access to technology increases engagement and positively impacts student achievement.

In 2014, the District’s Technology Department launched its IGNITE initiative which stands for Inspiring, Growing, and Nurturing Imagination in Technology Education. IGNITE is designed to provide students with real world, relevant experiences to better prepare them to compete in a technology rich work environment. There is a growing concern that American students are not pursuing careers in budding industries, chiefly high-level scientific and technological careers.

In order to bridge the digital divide, the District must ensure our students have access to the resources and tools they need to succeed. IGNITE introduces programs at the elementary schools, with supporting projects, classes, and lessons, that extend through middle school and high school. The initiative is rooted in Science Technology Engineering Art and Math or STEAM subjects. 

The District wants to expose students to high-level science and technology early in their education to build their capacity and interest in technical fields so they are more prepared for college and career. With most of the best jobs in the future requiring high-level scientific and technology skills, the district wants to provide opportunities for students to learn all the skills they need to pursue these careers. 

IGNITE has staff members from the District technology department partnering with teachers to extend the initiative, empowering teachers to introduce new programs to IGNITE for a richer technology and science experience. IGNITE also engages the community and local industry to add real world knowledge, resources, and opportunities to the program. Through IGNITE, Raytown students receive exposure to an exceptionally rich experience, which prepares them for their futures.