While this memo is largely addressing the practicalities of a 1:1 device initiative at our middle school, it needs to be remembered that this is all part of a larger digital learning program that we have been in the process of developing and adopting on a wider scale.
Our high school began its digital learning transformation in earnest a year before the devices arrived, with the adoption of Google Classroom as an online platform (or learning management system, LMS) for teachers to consolidate their resources, assignments, and communications into. This looked different for different teachers and subjects, but it gave our students a single portal through which to track their expected learning, whether they were in school, at home, off sick, etc. Then once progress had been made we introduced the devices, and began conversations around the triple E framework to enhance our students' learning using digital tools, and help cultivate students with the necessary 21st-century skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity (the “4 Cs”).
This is all still a work in progress, and earlier this year, we had begun to talk with James about what this process looks like in his building. Then along came COVID. Now the digital-first world where much of our interactions and collaboration are online is here! In order to prepare for an uncertain Fall next year, we think it prudent to move up the timetable of getting devices into the hands of students and making sure all our staff are competent and comfortable using the Google Classroom LMS. This is all in line with our larger mission. We just have to focus more rapidly!
The model that we propose to adopt for the devices is a mirror of what we rolled out in the High School last year. We currently have around 600 Chromebooks in the Middle School already. Those will be distributed through grades 6 to 8 with the oldest computers going to the 8th grade, and we’ll purchase new computers for the 5th grade. Then moving forward, students will keep their device for the duration of their time at that building and receive a new one as freshmen entering high school. Both buildings will then settle into a 4-year replacement cycle that ensures students have a good quality device for use at school and at home. Devices that come back to us after that in good condition will be able to serve us a little longer at the elementary grades.
Parents will be able to opt into our “device assurance” program, where for (currently) $25, they’ll have initial accidental damage costs covered while their student has that Chromebook. This cost is pro-rated if they are going to be in the building less than four years (so our current 6-8th grade), and halved for those families that qualify for free and reduced lunches. Typically a family will pay this once for their child in middle school and once more, when they reach high school. For full details, you can see our current agreement form.
Administrative Recommendation /MOTION/ "I move we approve the 1:1 Chromebook initiative for Woodland Middle School and authorize the administration to proceed with the acquisition of sufficient Chromebooks to support the initiative."