GOAL High School has once again been recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School, marking the eighth consecutive year the school has received the distinction.
GOAL first earned the recognition in 2018 and, for the past seven years, has been the only online school and alternative education campus (AEC) to receive the designation. This year’s national statistics have not yet been released.
Microsoft Showcase Schools are recognized for their commitment to educational transformation and their ability to use technology in meaningful ways that improve student outcomes. The designation highlights schools that create innovative learning environments and empower educators to meet students where they are.
For GOAL, the recognition is not about technology alone. It is about how teachers and staff use those tools to create better opportunities for students.
“It starts with educators. It is a recognition of the work our educators do,” said Jamie Trujillo, GOAL chief information officer. “Changing and growing every year means educators have to be willing to exercise their own personal growth mindset to continue to try new things within their classrooms. Every year we encourage them to try, build, and grow. Our educators at GOAL, and the reason we win this award is because they are willing to step outside of the box to find new ways to get kids involved. That’s how we continue to grow every year.”
Over the years, GOAL has evolved from simply providing students with access to technology to using technology in new ways that strengthen engagement, learning and support. School leaders point to the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence, expanded online learning tools and innovative programs such as esports as examples of how technology can create meaningful connections with students.
“We’ve gone from a focus on simply putting the best technology in students’ hands to improve outcomes to actually working within the constructs of technology to improve outcomes,” Trujillo said.
As technology continues to evolve, GOAL has remained focused on using new tools in ways that directly benefit students. From innovative instructional practices to the thoughtful integration of AI, educators are finding new ways to meet students where they are and help them succeed.
Megan Bennett, GOAL’s educational technology teacher on special assignment, said the school’s commitment to innovation is rooted in making learning more accessible and equitable for all students.
“To use technology to increase equity, increase accessibility,” Bennett said when describing one of the primary goals that has guided GOAL’s technology efforts.
Bennett also noted that GOAL’s culture encourages educators to explore new ideas, reflect on their experiences and continually improve their practice.
“I think that teachers who are using artificial intelligence, especially in their planning, are turning that time into time spent back with students. And, I think that’s creating a really big difference,” Bennett said.
The Microsoft Showcase School designation also aligns closely with GOAL’s mission of developing productive members of society. Through its partnership with Microsoft and access to emerging technologies, students are exposed to tools and pathways that support a variety of future goals, whether that includes college, careers, military service or workforce training.
“The mission of developing productive members of society means you need to learn not only how to use technology, but how to live with technology and how to make it a part of your life and how to help and how to use technology to empower your own personal growth and, you know, really as a human,” Trujillo said.
As GOAL celebrates its eighth consecutive year as a Microsoft Showcase School, school leaders say the recognition reflects the dedication of educators and staff who continue to find creative ways to support students and prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world.
GOAL High School is a statewide, multi-district charter school authorized by District 49. GOAL provides online curriculum with in-person support at 40 student drop-in centers across Colorado.
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