DIGITAL PROMISE & THE LEAGUE OF INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS: All they need are capes. The federally christened nonprofit, Digital Promise, took a giant step forward in recent weeks, nailing down $2 million in support from foundations and companies. Contributors include $1 million in support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a $350k investment from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and grants from a number of companies including Apple, Intel, Cisco and Pearson. Congress gave it a $500k start, so that gives it a nice 4:1 private-to-public dollars ratio. Key among Digital Promise's projects is the League of Innovative Schools, which counts 28 school districts in 18 states (collectively serving 2.5 million students) as members. The ubergoal of the League is to help nudge entrepreneurs, researcher and educators together to develop personalized learning opportunities for students. Districts contribute staff time (not cash) to be members. League members are working on proof points, research, and docent all aimed at improving digital learning tools.
