Thomas Arnett, Compass Charter Schools Board Chair, Awarded the Digital Learning Collaborative’s Inaugural Research Impact Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 9, 2022
CONTACT: Kimberly Aguilar, (805) 341-4689
Thousand Oaks, CA – Thomas Arnett, Compass Charter Schools (Compass) Board Chair, is being awarded the prestigious Digital Learning Collaborative’s (DLC) Research Impact Award at the 4th Annual DLAC in Atlanta, GA, today, Wednesday, February 9 at noon.
This award recognizes researchers whose studies in K-12 digital learning have fostered best practices to advance the industry over the past year. Arnett’s work focuses on studying innovations that amplify educator capacity, documenting barriers to K-12 innovation, and identifying disruptive innovations in education. In the past year, in particular, he has been instrumental in researching the promise and peril of pandemic-induced remote learning and how schools may build on that experience to create long-term, sustainable online and hybrid learning options for scholars. Arnett’s articles stood out to the DLC Award Committee and leaders in the field who reviewed the nominations.
“Mr. Arnett has a passion for innovation and exploring innovative practices within the K-12 space. I first met Mr. Arnett at the inaugural DLAC and immediately reached out to explore these passions,” shares J.J. Lewis, Superintendent & CEO. “Since our first meeting several years ago, Mr. Arnett has joined our Board of Directors and has been a tremendous thought-partner as we continue in our quest to be the ‘Gold Standard in Virtual Education.’ All of us at Compass and beyond can learn a great deal about innovation through his work. I am beyond thrilled that his nomination was selected and continue to be honored that he is part of our Compass Community. On behalf of everyone at Compass, congratulations, Mr. Arnett, on this very deserving recognition for your impactful work!”
Arnett received a bachelor of science degree in economics from Brigham Young University and a master of business administration from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. He is passionately dedicated to helping improve U.S. K–12 education to ensure all scholars can fulfill their potential. He currently pursues this aim as a senior research fellow in education for the Clayton Christensen Institute. Arnett previously served as a trustee and board president for the Morgan Hill Unified School District in Morgan Hill, California, worked as an Education Pioneers Fellow with the Achievement First Public Charter Schools and taught middle school math as a Teach For America teacher in Kansas City Public Schools.
“I’m honored to have been chosen for this award, and I hope that it is an indicator of the value our research has provided for those working to find new solutions to the current challenges in K–12 education,” shares Arnett. “My passion is to see a future when all children receive the kind of supportive and personalized education that helps each of them succeed and thrive.”
Arnett will receive an engraved award at the DLAC closing session, a one-year standard individual DLC membership, a complimentary registration to DLAC 2023 in Austin, Texas, recognition in DLC publications, and the DLC website, and opportunities to contribute to the field over the next year through the DLC.
About Compass Charter Schools
Compass Charter Schools is a WASC-accredited virtual personalized learning public charter school serving thousands of scholars throughout California. Catering to TK-12 grade scholars, Compass offers two personalized learning programs. Compass is committed to creating a collaborative virtual learning community, inspiring scholars to appreciate the ways in which arts and sciences nurture a curiosity for lifelong learning and preparing scholars to take responsibility for their future successes.
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