UnboundEd Marks 10 Years of Transformative Impact in Education Nationwide

UnboundEd Celebrates 10 Years of Educational Impact

In a remarkable celebration of a decade-long commitment to educational advancement, UnboundEd has reached a significant milestone by marking its ten-year anniversary. Founded with the mission to empower educators to meet the diverse needs of every learner, the organization has made strides in promoting grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful instruction through its innovative GLEAM® framework.

Celebrating a Decade of Progress

This anniversary is highlighted in the release of UnboundEd's report titled "A Decade of UnboundEd Impact,” which showcases the numerous success stories, photos, and videos illustrating its profound influence on classrooms across the United States. Having collaborated with 852 schools, districts, and education agencies through 45 states, UnboundEd is proud to support over 13 million students.

One of the notable achievements of UnboundEd is the engagement of thousands of educators in its Standards Institute. This initiative has equipped them with essential skills and tools necessary for implementing effective, standards-aligned practices within their classrooms.

Positive Outcomes in Schools

Schools utilizing the GLEAM® instructional approach have reported meaningful progress. For instance, Des Moines Public Schools have witnessed significant academic increases with Roosevelt High School experiencing a 7% rise in students achieving As and Bs. Meanwhile, McCombs Middle School reported double-digit growth on their benchmark assessments and a reduction in classroom behavioral issues.

Trenton Williams, the Principal of Howe Elementary, highlighted the visible changes in classroom dynamics, stating, "You can tell it's working when students lead conversations, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning." District Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts noted that GLEAM® has provided much-needed structure and expectations for all students, ensuring consistent access to grade-level instruction.

Massachusetts's Springfield Public Schools embraced GLEAM® as a core component of their district-wide strategy, embedding it in school improvement plans, instructional coaching, and everyday teaching practices. Chief Instructional Officer Michelle Balch emphasized the shift from a mere content focus to a more child-centered approach, stating, “We’ve gone from focusing on 'I teach content' to 'I teach children.'”

Enhanced Learning Experience

At Synergy Academies, the introduction of GLEAM® has cultivated deeper student engagement and redefined feedback protocols within classrooms. Superintendent Rhonda Deomampo remarked on how standards-based grading bridged the gap, aligning assessment practices with students’ ongoing growth and mastery. "It marked a mindset shift from 'do, finish, done' to understanding learning as a continuum," she explained. This transformation has created more avenues for intellectual engagement, where feedback and continual learning have taken precedence over one-time assessments.

Coinciding with its tenth anniversary celebrations, UnboundEd has announced the successful trademarking of its GLEAM® instructional approach. This milestone is indicative of the framework's originality and innovation.

Lacey Robinson, President and CEO of UnboundEd, commented on this significant achievement, stating, "The trademarking of the GLEAM® approach validates its power to help districts implement high-quality, affirming instruction." She highlighted that the diverse partners from large districts to small charter networks demonstrate the potential of focusing on high-quality instructional materials and professional learning.

For further insights into UnboundEd's decade span of success and commitment toward educational reform, visit their official page at UnboundEd's 10th Anniversary.

About UnboundEd

UnboundEd is dedicated to empowering teachers to meet the diverse needs of every student through grade-level, engaging, affirming, and meaningful — GLEAM® instruction. As the organization continues to evolve, it remains committed to implementing lasting changes in instruction, collaborating with educational districts and agencies in over 40 states.