Mendon Upton Regional School district announced changes to the 1:1 Learning Initiative (iPad program) in an email sent to parents last night.
“The Mendon-Upton Regional School District is amending our existing iPad policy from offering a “school use only” option to now a “school loaner” … effective immediately, any school-issued iPad will be permitted to be brought home for 24/7 access during the course of the school year only,” wrote Dr. Maruszczak.
According to Dr. Maruszczak the change came about as a result of the “learnings we gathered throughout the first full year of implementation, consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE), and a recent complaint that was filed against the district to the DESE. This will enable us to not only meet the letter and spirit of the law but will, more importantly, allow us to further meet the needs of our students and families.”
The complaint issued to the DESE was made by the ACLU on behalf of a parent. In a press release the ACLU said they appreciate the school committee’s responsiveness and believed the change in the policy should resolve their complaint.
What will the change look like?
“Loaner” iPads will be available 24/7 and be configured with all required apps and ebooks. Students who enrolled in the “school use” plan will be switched to the “loaner” plan.
Parents who are leasing or purchased an iPad through the school will be given the opportunity to move to the “loaner” program. Parents who exercise this option will be reimbursed for payments made to the district with the knowledge that the iPad becomes the property of the school and personal, non-school related data will be removed. All refund payments will be made by November 1, 2014 on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents also have the option to donate their reimbursement to the school program.
The district is requesting parents who are currently leasing iPads or using an iPad from home to complete an online survey choosing to either enroll in the “loaner” program or maintain their current status.
According to the email, “The district will be responsible for general maintenance of the iPad. Although loaner iPads may be taken home each day, it must be clearly understood that the student and family are responsible for any potential loss, destruction, or defacement or misuse of the device, much as they would be for a textbook.” ‘Loaner’ iPads will be issued with a durable case.
For parents who opted for the “school use only” to restrict iPad use at home the new policy will not force students to take iPads home. The policy allows 24/7 use for homework and for any potential out of school assignments however the district will make provisions for a student to safely store their iPad in their home room.
Dr. Maruszczak apologized to parents for any inconvenience the change in policy has caused.
“We are deeply committed to this initiative as it enhances teaching and learning and gives our students the 21st century skills they require for college and beyond. We are equally committed to continuing to work with all of our families in good faith to ensure that there are flexible options for every situation,” wrote Dr. Maruszczak.
Links with sources and additional information are listed below.
sources email dated 8.26.14 from the Mendon Upton Regional School District, press release from ACLU, iPad Adjustment FAQ’s
UPTON DAILY 