University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Public Schools partner on education technology assessment, strategy

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In a unique partnership between two of the state's largest education systems, the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) today announced they are collaborating on an assessment aimed at building a comprehensive technology strategy for one of the state's largest K-12 school districts.

Through this partnership, leaders from the University will provide insights and industry best practices for MPS leaders as they work to align and optimize the academic, administrative and information technology systems serving the district's more than 35,000 students and 6,000 plus staff members.

"Minneapolis students must graduate ready for college and career with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the 21st century," said Robert Doty, chief operating officer. "It's a vision that is built on our commitment to student success, and enabled, from the start, by effective and efficient technology. We thank the University for another great partnership that will benefit our schools and students."

Through this effort, a team from the University's Office of Information Technology will work closely with district administrators, IT leaders, and others to conduct a comprehensive review of the district's technology systems. This review will focus on six key information technology areas: user support, governance, budget and finance, organizational effectiveness, technology infrastructure and enterprise information systems.

The assessment is scheduled to be complete in the next several weeks, with recommendations delivered to district leaders this month.

The effort reflects the University's commitment to engaging in collaborative partnerships with organizations across the state to drive new insights, discoveries and excellence in education.

Since 2012, the University has taken significant steps to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the core technology systems serving its nearly 100,000 students, faculty members and staff. As part of its ongoing focus on improving operational efficiency, the University later this year will implement a comprehensive upgrade to its core education, administrative and information technology systems.

"We've made tremendous progress with the core technologies driving the academic mission of our institution," said Scott Studham, the University's vice president and chief information officer. "We look forward to sharing our learnings with district leaders, and to doing our part to support fellow educators in our local community."

Minneapolis Public Schools promises an inspirational education experience in a safe, welcoming environment for all diverse learners to acquire the tools and skills necessary to confidently engage in the global community.

The University of Minnesota ranks among the nation's top public research universities. As a land-grant institution, it is committed to engaging Minnesota, national and global communities to advance interdisciplinary knowledge; enhance students' academic, civic, career, social and personal development; and apply intellectual and human capital to serve the public good.

Contact: Earl Johnston, Communications Director, UMN Information Technology, [email protected]. Rachel Hicks, Media Relations & Public Affairs Director, [email protected].

Media Contact:
Earl Johnston
[email protected]

PRLog ID: www.prlog.org/12424470

SOURCE University of Minnesota

Related Links

http://twin-cities.umn.edu