We learned from using the iPad testing carts, and from other schools’ experiences, what iPads are and are not good at doing.  For SBAC, for typing, and for internet-based tasks like research and word processing, Chromebooks are easier to share, easier to manage, more flexible, and cheaper in both short term and long term.   Schools that converted from 1:1 iPad to 1:1 Chromebook report that their teachers prefer them.  In our first phase this type of technology better suits our highest priority needs.  As we move forward we will regularly reevaluate what mix of technologies serve our education goals best.

We are paying a per-device premium to order the Chromebooks through LAUSD.  While that is an extra cost right now, it provides greater long-term savings.  Buying through LAUSD means that their tech support team can pre-load mobile device management that will improve their ability to service our devices, update them, and ready them for the SBAC.  It also reassures the technicians that they are working on LAUSD items, not privately-held property.  For the next 5 years, we will see more savings in those supports by paying a bit more now.

We have done the research and if we thought more expensive equipment offered better value to our students, we would find a way to provide the more expensive equipment.

Grades K-2 will have greater use of the iPads from our existing testing carts.  And one day, your child will be in 3rd grade and wouldn't it be nice if the technology program was already in place? Don't you want the teachers to have learned from their past experiences with the current 3-5 graders? If we get this program started NOW, by the time your child reaches the 3rd grade, the program will be up and running.