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Morning Read: Now, Back to Those iPad Problems

LA School Report | November 1, 2013



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LAUSD board set to tackle iPad project on Tuesday
The Los Angeles Unified board will delve into the district’s controversial iPad project — everything from curriculum and keyboards to infrastructure and electricity — during a special meeting on the $1 billion plan set for Tuesday. LA Daily News


How Much Are iPads Really Helping Kids in the Classroom?
The drive to increase technology use in classrooms has many asking whether the investment is more fizzle than bang, and whether it’s too early to tell how wisely the money is being spent. Education author Peg Tyre has investigated the use of iPads, one of the most popular classroom additions, in TakePart. She concludes that iPads in education may offer some new teaching techniques, but by themselves, they may not be better than traditional, cheaper methods. Education News


Parents push for more prominent place at the school budget table
Four months into the rollout of the new state education funding law, parent leaders across California are trying to ensure that “local control” over school spending truly includes parents. The law, known as the Local Control Funding Formula, is a landmark shift that gives school districts more control over spending decisions that had previously been mandated by the state, and outlines eight key priorities that districts must consider when allocating their resources. One of those new priorities is parent involvement. Ed Source


Implement funding formula that helps me become successful
Commentary: It might be hard to imagine what it’s like for Oakland students if you’ve never been through our schools. I have friends who have dropped out, or are thinking about dropping out, because Oakland Unified, the district I attend, doesn’t have enough money to provide sufficient resources in order for us to be successful. Ed Source


A Life in Letters: H.R. 2083
A bill is moving through Congress to put in place a common set of standards for criminal background checks for educators. The bill, sponsored by George Miller, the California Democrat who is the ranking member on the House Education and Workforce Committee, passed the House and is on its way to the Senate. Addressing this problem is a longstanding challenge. Eduwonk

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