Board Considers Laptop Computer Program
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The Moore County Board of Education is considering a bold $3.8 million initiative that would infuse the school system with more than 5,000 new laptop computers.
The proposal, which would be implemented over four years, would provide one laptop to every teacher, as well as students in the eighth and ninth grades. The plan would also provide laptops for use in the younger grades.
Beginning in 2011, eighth-graders would be assigned a laptop they would use for the year. The teacher would decide when they are used and when they could be taken home.
The following year, ninth-graders would be assigned a new laptop that they would keep for their entire high school career - a concept that is used by many colleges and universities. They would be given the freedom to take them home as they pleased, much like a textbook.
Each class of rising ninth-graders would receive a computer in the following years. The initiative would eventually provide each high school student with one.
"Technology must be used effectively every day in order to support the work of the learning process," Deputy Superinten-dent Larry Upchurch told the school board during its meeting Monday night.
The system's Instructional Technology Committee, composed of teachers and administrators, recommended the plan to the school board. The committee has been studying ways to better use technology in the classroom since 2008.
The committee surveyed middle and high school students in Moore County, and they responded overwhelmingly that laptops would be the most effective tool to increase learning opportunities.
"For them to be engaged now, they need that constant, fast-paced world that they are so accustomed to," committee member Donna Gephart said.
In the first year of the plan, 2010-2011, each teacher would receive a laptop by August 2010. It would replace their desktop computers. The initiative also calls for wireless Internet access in each of the county's schools, as well as additional instructional technology tools and staff development and support.
It would provide a laptop cart - each containing 30 computers - to be shared by seventh-grade classes at each school and one for each elementary school. The system would hire an instructional technology specialist.
In the second year, 2011-2012, another laptop cart would be provided for each elementary school and for sixth-grade classes at each school. The eighth-graders would receive laptops that year as well.
Two additional technicians and 39 storage carts would be added.
In year three, 2012-2013, another laptop cart would be provided to each elementary school, and each ninth-grader would receive a new laptop they would keep throughout high school. Another two technicians would be added.
In the final year of the plan, 2013-2014, another cart would be provided to the elementary schools. That year's ninth-graders would receive new laptops.
The ninth-graders will be responsible for their laptops. Each will each be marked with serial numbers, and at the end of the year, the system's IT department will re-image the computers.
Parents would help pay some of the costs. They would be required to contribute $25 in eighth grade and $50 each year of high school to offset insurance, batteries and repair costs. Both parents and students would sign a use agreement.
Financial assistance will be provided for qualifying families.
Students in grades kindergarten through second grade will utilize desktop stations to introduce them to computers. The mobile carts for grades three through seven will expose students to a consistent use of laptop computers so they are ready for eighth grade.
"We believe that the successful implementation of this plan will create new learning environments and will provide students access to the tools necessary to develop 21st century skills and dispositions," committee member Robin Calcutt said.
The board applauded the committee's presentation.
Upchurch stressed the importance of staff development to make the plan worthwhile. He said it would be much more than simply teaching staff how to use the computers. He said it would really be a re-education process that demonstrates how that technology can be used to meet the needs of their students.
"You can buy all the bells and whistles," he said, "but if you don't teach people how to use them effectively, it's a gross waste of resources."
Board members Kathy Farren and Pamela Thompson said they were happy to see an emphasis on staff development. Farren suggested that the system "got the cart before the horse" on its SmartBoard initiative and didn't provide enough training for teachers so they could maximize the use of that resource.
Upchurch said that there are a "considerable amount" of costs associated with implementing the plan. He said because it is laid out over a number of years, the system can make the plan work based upon the resources that are available.
Board member Laura Lang asked if the committee had explored the possibility of grant options that might be available. Upchurch said the system would pursue every avenue.
"It's going to take everyone to try to pull together the resources and the effort that's going to be necessary to make the dramatic impact it can make," he said.
Reader poll
Should Moore County School System provide laptop computers to students?
- Yes
- No
337 total votes.
Incorporating technology into the classroom and providing new, engaging experiences for students has been one of the hallmarks of Superintendent Susan Purser's tenure.
When asked after the meeting if she was concerned about taking on a project like this during difficult economic times, Purser said that school system is about supporting young people in a 21st century environment and that it is important to equip students with the right tools.
"I'm going to go back right over there and look at that mission," she said, "and that's what we're committed to and that's what we have to deliver on. We cannot spend all of our time arguing about dollars.
"I have got to stay focused right there. Every one of those faces is counting on me to do that."
Contact John Krahnert III at (910) 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.
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Comments
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
$3.8M for compters that will more than likely be stolen, misused and abused and we the taxpayers are going to have to pay for this. No thanks
None 2 years, 3 months ago
Perhaps the school board should factor in the cost of a "team" of computer technicians to remove virus's, replace hard drives, monitors, power supplies, and numerous problems with misuse and abuse. They would need at least five tech's working from a central location doing nothing but support to keep those 5,000 laptop computers in working order. So now we go from $3.8 million to about $4.8 more million spread out over five years; but that's in next years budge request! Does anyone with the school system think with their heads as opposed to the taxpayer checkbook?
eventerke 2 years, 3 months ago
The folks above should do some more research - a properly designed computing initiative has benefits in student engagement, academic performance, and technical literacy. Districts who have taken a well-planned approach see surprisingly low rates of theft, damage, and technical support issues.
Hortiphile 2 years, 3 months ago
I can hardly think of a better use for my tax money! Educate and empower our youth. What better tool is there?
dustyrhoades 2 years, 3 months ago
Heck, why give 'em books? They'll just tear pages out and lose them!
For some people in this county, nothing's too good for our schoolchildren, so let's give them plenty of it.
commonsense77 2 years, 3 months ago
Its a bold plan by Moore County standards but in fact has been implemented in many school systems around the country. But given the above comments I guess children in Moore County aren't suppose to have as good an education as well ranking school systems in Virginia and Maryland. School systems in these states have SAVED taxpayer money by not having to buy paper textbooks, have computer labs and have children who can read, write, perform arithmetic.
Can someone tell me how not investing in our future make sense?
bdavis 2 years, 3 months ago
With tightening budgets, money should be used to support excellent teachers and add teacher aids in the classroom. I
We are now spending more money on education than ever, with less results ( about 1/3 drop out and even more in minority populations) Giving kids a lap top may be just more of the same. Generations before have succeeded in becoming highly educated without elaborate technology. Most students now need remedial work after high school, that is if they have not dropped out.
Again, hiring top teachers, maybe pay increases for Master Teachers, would make more sense.
RD28327 2 years, 3 months ago
Well, high school students in Chatham County were given Apple MacBooks and middle school students were given HP netbooks. At least you won't have to worry about viruses and adware/spyware for Apple computers since most viruses and adware/spyware is designed for Windows PCs wich is used by over 95% of computers. Would like to see how these technology based programs are working in Chatham and Lee counties as well as other parts of the country before the Moore County Schools decides to do such a program.
mollym01 2 years, 3 months ago
As a parent with school aged children I think technology in the classroom is important. My kids are fortunate enough to have computers, unfortunately there are many that don't have this privilage. We have had many homework assignments and class projects that we could not have done without the help of a computer. It has been a constant learning tool in our home! I have to say that I agree with Hortiphile! Educate and empower our youth!
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
While we are at lets fund the kids with cell phones also, help them to stay informed and up to date on the latest facebook and twitter messages.
Don't understand why a few classrooms outfitted with 20-30 computers in each room would not suffice
mollym01 2 years, 3 months ago
I have helped my kids with many science fair projects, book reports,and daily homework assignments with the help of a computer. I have known kids that did not have access to a computer and have often wondered how they got their assignments completed. When I asked my children what the kids without computers did they said that the teachers told them that they could go to a library. Well, that is an option. But, how are they going to get there when they have working parents, parents that just don't care, or for some transportation. I think that it is our job as parents and educators that every child is given the chance to learn. By the way, Hammer, these social networking websites can be blocked so that the kids cannot access them.
djcalaska 2 years, 3 months ago
I applaud the school board for PRO ACTIVE thinking. My daughter will finish high school next year. The students are no longer given text books for various reasons. (financial, loss, damage, replacement costs, etc.) My daughter has the priveldge of having access to computers for research,on line classes and home work. There are many children whose parents can not afford the computers and they are already at a disadvantage. This may be incentive for some of the 30% who may not finish high school. I am sure the board will take in consideration the maintenance and replacement cost. Bravo!
CSmithson 2 years, 3 months ago
Interesting: For years now, the Board has done nothing to address our backslide towards the 1960's and segregated schools. Now, they're jumping ahead towards the future and looking at getting laptops for eveyone.
How about a compromise? Let's put more desktops (cheaper) in the classroom and stop ignoring the huge disparities between schools in adjacent attendance districts. Granted, throwing a bunch of laptops at the schools is an easier task, but don't all Moore County students, regardless of race or class deserve to attend schools providing outcomes of similar quality?
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
Somewhere PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY has to come into play. I bet all of these teenagers have there own personal cell phone but the parents cannot afford a $400 laptop!!!!
I agree with more computers in the classrooms, but do the math these 5000 computers are going to cost about $760 each, you can get a decent laptop at Best Buy for half that amount. Fund more computer labs
ladylane 2 years, 3 months ago
It's about sharing and caring. Why is it color always have to come into play. Parents do their part and start at a early age teaching the kids and letting them know how important education is and stick to their guns they will care. My daughter is a PA she's black her college provided her with a lap top so did her job. The one that think miniorities drop out so, implement a program so they will not. Computers are the way of the world you need to know they will control the world before long get use to it.
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
Who brought up race???
ladylane 2 years, 3 months ago
What is miniorities if it's not about race regardless of which one? This Hammer person how many kids do you have in school? If there are computers already in the schools internet access is already in place. Talk to Purdue she is for education I'm sure she will find the funds.
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
I'm sure Perdue will find the money of course, from me and others who don't want to fund another tax increase to support someone who in there own right can buy a $400 laptop for their own child. But I forgot this is the generation of laziness and not wanting to help themselves
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
First things first.....Hammer, you are just out of touch with reality! It's thinking like yours that will make US a 3rd world country soon! Did you ever stop and wonder why other countries out perform our kids? Better Math and science grades for one! Like it or not, this is the COMPUTER AGE, deal with it. Investing in our youth is one of the best ways to invest in our country!
So you ask, can we afford to do this? (good question)
Can we afford NOT TO? (better question)
Next thing.....for those who are throwing all these numbers out there have no clue what there talking about! Lets set the record straight with the truth:
Adding desktops to the classroom is NOT cheaper than laptops! After you add the monitor to the desktop, the price comes out about the same.
The advantage of laptops, is the students can continue learning at home! (if the desktop is at school, you can't do that now can you) Unless you have a computer at home, then of course is the issue of the school applications that are NOT loaded at home. Get it!
Damage and theft, well if you did your research, you would have found out that all school systems that have adopted a 1:1 have NOT had any issues with theft. (Moore County is looking in to a LO-Jack system for the laptops) Steal it and you will get caught! As far as damage, yes there will be some, but it already exsists with the in-house desktops! So, that is a wash.
If you did your research (guess you were not educated enough to do research) you would understand that allowing our youth to learn in a 21st Century environment and work as engaged students, you would realize, dropout rates for systems that adopt 1:1 goes down, test scores go up!
All I ask, if you are going to comment, at least know what your talking about! Nothing worse than a bunch of ignorant fools.
One last comment, if you bothered to look into what Moore County invests today for IT and Text books, you would see that, If planned right, you could SAVE money! And I think they ARE Planning it right!
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
And were did you get $760 per laptop Hammer?
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
Never mind......I see you figured out how to use a calculator....well I also see you did it wrong....The 3.8 Million is NOT just for the laptops! It's 3.8 Mill for the Project, which includes a laptop....your just spreading bad information. Do your homework 1st......think before you speak!
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
Fsspro Don't appreciate being called an ignorant fool. Guess my 30 years of Active Duty in the Air Force deems me to an ignorant fool. Just sick and tired of people wanting handouts. I understand that kids education is very important. However, why should the public have to fund individual laptops for students when it should be the parents who need to invest in these laptops.
Simple math FSSPRO $3.8M divided by 5000 laptops comes out to 760 apiece.
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
So 3.8M is for the project, so who is banking this money
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
I don't care if you had 50 years in USAF, still does mean you know what your talking about. And it's clear you don't.
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
mauiman Thanks for coming to my defense but not needed. Obvious that I touched the nerve of a Liberal who voted for Obama and wants to continue to spend everyones money. This is a another program that starts out ONLY spending $3.8M at first, but of course will continue to suck the taxpayers dry.
Hortiphile 2 years, 3 months ago
Wow, Hammer...why the need for labels? We are talking about America's children...our future. My husband and I are in our thirties and do not have children yet, but I consider every American child a part of our future. Where would you like for our tax money to go? Who said anything about raising our taxes...sucking us dry? Seems to me like you and mauiman are only concerned with yourselves and your pocketbooks.
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
Not a Liberial.....didn't vote for Obama.
I apologize if I insulted you Hammer. You just hit a nerve.
All you see is the 3.8 Mil....Do you have any Idea what IT spends today? Do you have any Idea what is spent on Text books today? This is not just about giving the kids computers....It's about TEACHING with computers. It's about changing the way our youth learn and making them better prepared for adulthood and the work force. Our youth keeps falling behind, the answer is more teachers or pay them more (although I do believe them deserve more!) The answer is to change how schools teach. It's a nre era and we need to move forward with it. A teacher in the front of a class lecturing from a text book is not going to make todays kids engaged in learning. It;s a electronic world. We need to join it!
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
error...the answer is not more teachers or pay them more (although I do believe them deserve more!)
wrich49 2 years, 3 months ago
I would like to clarify two statements that were made in these comments. Personal laptops can be used in schools with wireless internet access. I use mine at work in my school all the time. Personal laptop users log in as "guest users" and are subject to all of Moore County Schools' rules about computer use. Secondly, the internet technology department has strict rules in place for teachers' and students' computer usage. No web sites like Facebook or your personal e-mail account can be accessed. School administrators and the school board must plan for the future. For example, many of us remember those glorious card catalogs that graced libraries in the past. They are all gone now, replaced by computers. Digital cameras have now made 35 mm film obsolete, and I think I read somewhere that it is no longer being made. I hope we can find a way to agree that we cannot stop progress in technology. We must grow along with it.
None 2 years, 3 months ago
@RD28327! "Well, high school students in Chatham County were given Apple MacBooks and middle school students were given HP netbooks."
You are correct in that Apple uses Applesoft as opposed to Windows XP or will they be using Windows 7 in the HP's operating systems. How much does it cost to replace a flat screen monitor on a laptop? Very sensitive to mistreatment and abuse. If the school system wants to put laptops in "open Labs" IN SCHOOL that is another matter. Try using Mozilla, Firefox or IE 7 on Black Board at Sandhills Community College. Doesn't work! So now we are back to Windows ~ bot laden, virus, malware, spyware, corrupted files and hard drives. Why not just hire and staff another department and students can check them in for repair and check another one out?
And for those who are name calling, you are entitled to an opinion as well as anyone else on these threads! It goes to show your intellect when you can't process a though without calling someone ignorant. I personally take offense.
None 2 years, 3 months ago
@Fsspro (Moore County is looking in to a LO-Jack system for the laptops) starting at $59.95 X 5000 = $299,750.00 ~ heck they might throw in free shipping. Lojack for computers? Until the computer is booted it is useless. Any one with basic computer knowledge can pull the MOBO - toss it and have a brand new laptop for the cost of a new board; or flash the BIOS and the firmware has a new bus feature that doesn't include IP tracking through the Main Board BIOS...
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
@Toda So I assume you suggest the County do nothing? Status Quo. So when and how does Moore county invest in technology for the students? You make it sound like it would just be a waste of money. Should they continue same as always? From what I understand, they have a high drop out rate, why do you think this is? Should we do something about it? Or is it just about $$$$$. Because it's not....it's about investing in our future.
bigD 2 years, 3 months ago
Now now children, play nice together or Mr. Big D will have to take your computers away.
I am undecided on the issue because I would like to see the cost/benefit analysis.
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
If you read the article...
The system's Instructional Technology Committee, composed of teachers and administrators, recommended the plan to the school board. The committee has been studying ways to better use technology in the classroom since 2008.
Doesn't sound like they're being hasty.....sounds like they have been doing their homework on this. I can understand if they were rushing into it....but it doesn't like that.
Does anyone have any better solution, instead of just complaining about the $$$$.
Just put the $$$ on the back burner for a moment, can we agree that this is technology our kids need? That this is something that is good and moving in this direction is the right thing to do?
Woody 2 years, 3 months ago
I bought a laptop at BB the other day for $350. Use Ubuntu instead of windows 7, Open Office instead of MS Office and the price could be $250 or less for a grand total of 1.25M....Bam! there you go, I just saved us 2.5M!!
tarheelz 2 years, 3 months ago
I say we beef up the computer labs and/or add more computers to the classrooms- this is still investing in technology, but it won't mean sending the laptops home with the students (which, in my opinion, would be a BIG mistake). You could distribute zip drives to the students so that they could carry their work home to plug into their own PC. Also, consider keeping computer labs at schools open until 7 or 8:00 each night, allowing students a chance to use the computers for their nightly assignments.
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
tarheelz - says... I agree fully, that has been my point along but called igorant and not educated enough. Common sense is common sense. The kids today DO NEED to be computer smart. But issuing a young teenager a laptop to take home at taxpayers expense is not smart.
None 2 years, 3 months ago
@fsspro "From what I understand, they have a high drop out rate, why do you think this is"?
Are you equating socio-economic issues with take home computers? Are you inferring there is a direct correlation between a students inability to comprehend classroom material(s) and a take home laptop computer?
"composed of teachers and administrators," why wouldn't a committee comprised of those who have an interest supporting spending millions of tax dollars? Just like those on the committee who support millions for the new Law Enforcement Complex: They have self-centered interests. Do you think in your wildest dreams that an employee of the Sheriff's Department would propose a downward vote? Doubtful.
Every year the school system increases their budgets: fuel costs for buses is a given, maintenance is a given, as well as reoccurring annual expenditures. As I have written before in Letters to the Editor, the upper level administration is top heavy when it comes to salaries and benefits! Administrative costs impact budgets significantly. Everyone has a secretary or an assistant - why? Because they are so egocentric that someone else has to answer their phone. Cut out some of the clutter at the top and put the money in the classroom where teachers teach!
And when the school board doesn't get what they ask for, they are ready to sue you and me with our tax dollars. What a profound conflict of interest when legal counsel is paid for with tax money to sue taxpayers.
So Mr. Fsspro ~ as Chub Seawall used to say, "call your next case!"
None 2 years, 3 months ago
and finally Mr. Fsspro ~ what has come to pass in our school system is the lack of parent involvement. Will a computer help a student to learn Algebra? Calculus, equations, statistics, reading and writing comprehension? What has happen to our school system when so many world renowned scientist, physicist like Stephen Hawking ~ Albert Einstein ~ John Forbes Nash Jr., a math prodigy able to solve problems that baffled the greatest of minds.
Perhaps those who developed the technology for nuclear fusion during WWII, had a laptop stowed away for running complex calculations. Hey ~ I have a suggestion: get parents involved with latch-key children and stay out of the principles office complaining about what the teacher said or didn't do, start teaching those who want to learn, and keep the best texts and reuse them as opposed to making some publisher richer. A math book used in 1965 teaches the same principles as new $175.00 math book used today...so in may humble opinion, NO they don't need to spend more money! Step up to the plate and pay those who teach, and put the money in classrooms as opposed to a cushy office in Carthage.
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
@Toda ....Lets take it one at a time:
Are you equating socio-economic issues with take home computers? Are you inferring there is a direct correlation between a students inability to comprehend classroom material(s) and a take home laptop computer? No, however, today's kids are MORE engaged to learn if taught in an environment that they are comfortable with. Today's kids are raised with computers.....In our day...going to the library to do research was the norm....not any more. Learning doesn't have to be BORING.
"composed of teachers and administrators," Do you have any experience working within a school system? Remember, this is not a business that only worries about the bottom line. Number 1 concern is the kids. It's not about the $$$$ it's about what is the best way to teach in the 21st century. I have a college degree and grew up without a computer. But I do believe they (teachers and administrators) know better than you or me.
Every year the school system increases their budgets: From what I read, last year the budget was reduced by quite a bit!
what has come to pass in our school system is the lack of parent involvement. I do agree that there are parents the do not get involved with their kids education. (It's a shame)
Will a computer help a student to learn Algebra? Calculus, equations, statistics, reading and writing comprehension? I say yes.....and here is why. Let's face it, some of these subject are down right boring. But if we learn to teach in a manner that allows a child to be more interested in what is happening in class, as apposed to listening to a teacher lecture in the front of a class. This is not 1960 high school. Like it or not, todays youth are different, They grow up with technogy from day 1. I've done some research, district in the US have found that a 1:1 program reduces dropout rates and increases test scores! This is fact. So why not invest in our youth, someday they will be running this country when we are all in old age homes. I don't want a bunch of idiots taking care of me. There are so many other countries that are flying by our kids when it comes to education. Japan, China, India just to name a few. There kids surpass us in Math and Science but tons. There is no reason this has to be like this. We have the knowledge and skills to makes US #1. I say it's worth every penny!
Some people just see $$$$$, and all there care about is what is it going to cost. And that's OK, but then be prepared to live in a 3rd world country. There are so many other places we should look at to save tax payer money. The education system should be last! It truly is an investment in our future.
None 2 years, 3 months ago
@Fsspro "as apposed to listening to a teacher lecture in the front of a class".
Mathematics is still taught in classrooms on college campus's - at least at Sandhills. Some professors utilize web sites for homework assignments like My Math XL. Students still frequent the library for research. They provide students with several computer labs for assignments, research, and printing documents. Technology is advancing everyday ~ just ask most of the students who have Blackberries and IPhone's. Only those students who are in rolled in Project Promise have laptops assigned, and it's not 5000.
You advocate spending $3.8M for laptops: should the school board allocate for replacement costs as technology and software changes? I assemble my computers systems utilizing "expandable" mother boards. As opposed to off the shelf systems like HP that have a short lifespan and MOBO's that cannot receive upgrades for processors and expansion cards. Laptop technology is compact and difficult to expand to accept the latest and greatest software and hardware applications.
"I've done some research, district in the US have found that a 1:1 program reduces dropout rates and increases test scores! This is fact"
Apparently you a new to blogging. Anyone can make an open ended statement or accusation ~ that's internet technology. Most bloggers who post to threads provide links to qualify a statement as factual or support an observation. Your threads will be taken more seriously if you provide to support your research; just like writing an English paper.
CSmithson 2 years, 3 months ago
The question on buying laptops is moot. The school budget was slashed last year and will probably be cut more this year to help support another tax cut. The state is in terrible shape, so there won't be any help from Raleigh either.
Remember its an election year, so the county should expect another penny or two cut off the tax rate even if it means further gutting our children's education.
The conservative, anti-government, anti-tax, John Locke Foundation ranks Moore County as having one of the lowest tax burdens in the state. http://www.johnlocke.org/acrobat/policyReports/btn-fy2007.pdf Despite that, we seem to have this mindset that the County must keep cutting taxes regardless of the impact on the quality of services provided.
None 2 years, 3 months ago
@CSmithson ~ well stated and thanks for the link. How though does North Carolina rank for taxing citizens? South Carolinians pay less state tax on gasoline as well as our neighbors to the north in Virginia. Go up to Pennsylvania and they don't have tax on groceries or medicine.
North Carolina ranks 10th nationally: 10 North Carolina….. 18,639,618 According to US Census Bureau Statistics http://www.census.gov/govs/statetax/05staxrank.html
So what is our state doing with all the money when our roads look like a cluster bombing run on an airport in a war zone?
And with respect to services near and dear to me - is my bi-weekly trip to our landfill to haul my trash. Thank you Moore County for a container to dispose of my garbage....
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
@ Toda Proof is in the pudding....
http://www.usm.maine.edu/cepare/Impact_on_Student_Writing_Brief.pdf
http://www.unctv.org/ncnow/ncrising/laptop.html
http://www.fi.ncsu.edu/project/nc-11-learning-collaborative/
If you want more, just ask....
None 2 years, 3 months ago
“Those administrators and board members who insist on a specific test score gain as the return on investment are, more likely than not, going to be disappointed. Authentic assessment may be a more realistic strategy for measuring the value that laptops bring to the classroom…” (p.25).
Using a standard deviation (d.b) of 10.86 with a X mean of .32 over a period of 5 years with incomplete data for the remaining 3 years leaves a lot of inferences based on the Maine project from 2000-2005. Let me direct your attention to the two histograms using three colors as weighted results: It appears that not too many were thrilled about the statistical results shown in blue.
Statistical data used doesn't provide adequate data to assess the overall impact of such a program. "Wilson County’s School Superintendent Dr. Larry Price explains, “We have already seen some improvement in school attendance, faculty attendance, student behavior, reduction in drop outs in the last year compared to the previous year is tremendous. We already have some indicators that it has had some impact.”
According to Dr. Larry Price laptops encourage his teachers to come to work. Perhaps I've been wrong the whole time? Dr. Price bases his data on school attendance, faculty showing up to do their jobs, students behaving in school, and a reduction of drop outs.
I agree with CSmithson, in this economic climate that isn't improving anytime in the next few years, it's a moot point.
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
@Toda - Well we can go back and forth all day....I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. I'm just glad for us parents with kids in the school system that it's NOT up to you to decide. I believe it's worth it, you believe it's not. We'll just leave it at that.
MOORE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD - Do what is right for our youth!
Hembloche 2 years, 3 months ago
"Hammer's 30 years of service gives a perspective to his/her comments that you will never have."
Sorry Mauiman but i have to respond to this above all else. I love our military, some of my best friends are serving now (a couple of them on their third tour). However, that does not give them some kind of divine knowledge on how the world works. Don't insult the rest of us who haven't served, it's not a legal requirement, doesn't make any of us less of an American. Who are you to insinuate that his opinion is more valid due to his military service.
Hembloche 2 years, 3 months ago
It simply means that some of my best friends are serving. Wasn't intended to have any hidden meaning.
None 2 years, 3 months ago
@Fsspro ~ "I'm just glad for us parents with kids in the school system that it's NOT up to you to decide. I believe it's worth it, you believe it's not."
None of the links you provided would convince anyone that the results in one statistical analysis that was outdated supports 1:1 learning as you have so eloquently stated. The timeline and data are flawed and outdated! The last link http://www.fi.ncsu.edu/project/nc-11-... is an ongoing study by N.C.S.U. offering to establish an academic statistical model to "evaluate" empirical data based on a population sample from school systems who choose to participate. In plain english, they have no statistical data for a model!
I no longer have children in school or college, but that fact doesn't lessen my tax burden any less.
Creative minds base decisions on facts, not wishful thinking. In a criminal court of law it is beyond reasonable doubt; in civil court is the weight of the evidence. So - creative minds who make decisions that involve expenditures of taxpayer money should by all accounts use data that is verifiable as opposed to "wishful thinking" or "maybe."
If The Pilot can publish an article providing reliable statistical data from a reputable survey analysis, I will be the first to support the expenditure of $3.8 million - plus for laptop computers. Indeed, I think at the end of the day, very few taxpayers would object. However, the excessive amount of money spent on land in downtown Carthage that rivals prime golf course property has left a bad taste in taxpayers mouths for years to come. Writing a check from the taxpayers account continues to have an aura of "out-of-sight, out-of-mind".
Hammer 2 years, 3 months ago
Hembloche - says...
Not sure what your point is, I was called ignorant and not educated enough by someone called Fsspro. Because I diagree with someones point of view makes me ignorant and stupid.
I still don't agree with taxpayers footing the bill for invididual laptops for students, let the parents spend $300-400 for laptop
Fsspro 2 years, 3 months ago
@Hammer - My comments had nothing to do with you disagreeing with me. My comments were strictly based on YOUR comments. Do you have any idea what Moore County Schools spends today for Technology? You complain about YOUR tax dollars.....Let me tell you something about tax dollars.....Moore County has some of the lowest taxes I've ever seen. My parents live up north and they pay over 8k per year for a 300k home. And you complain about paying 2k or so.......get real. As far as most folks are concerned, local governments may spend money without thinking...but how you can complain about spending on our youth blows my mind. It's easy for you because your kids are grown now.....I bet you would be different if you still had young kids.
How do you even know this 3.8 is an addition to what they already spend, how do they won't spend 3.8 even if they don't buy laptops. You don't!
The article says nothing about them asking for 3.8 additional funds. But all you care about is money.
Well I read "The board applauded the committee's presentation."
Also, "Upchurch said that there are a "considerable amount" of costs associated with implementing the plan. He said because it is laid out over a number of years, the system can make the plan work based upon the resources that are available."
So relax, doesn't sound like your taxes are going up because of it.
None 2 years, 3 months ago
@Fsspro ~ See my post: February 12, 2010 at 11:35 a.m Lived here all my life and seen taxes increase every year...If the tax and spend CBC have their way, we'll be taxed to the point of getting what ever might be left...do the math! Start with the Fed's....and follow the trickle down taxes unique only to NC. Tell me exactly what you are not taxed on?