According to Superintendent John Deasy, providing iPads, which are intended for standardized test taking, assignments, educational games and media work, will help even the playing field between high- and low-income students. However, roughly 300 students across 47 schools selected to test-drive the program were able to hack security firewalls and access social media and other sites. The breach caused school officials at three schools to reclaim the tablets, while the remaining schools revoked students’ ability to take the iPads off campus.

During a Nov. 12 meeting, board members continued the debate on the usefulness of the initiative, and how it would best be implemented. After nearly three hours, the board voted 6-1 to provide an additional 35 schools with the tablets, on top of those schools already serving as guinea pigs. The decision also included hiring an evaluation team to monitor the effectiveness of the program, and swapping iPads for laptops at seven LAUSD schools to determine which is more useful for students.

In response to the technology debate, board member Monica Garcia said, “If it doesn’t work, we will fix it. If scores go down, we will fix it…but we need courage. I haven’t heard anything scarier than keeping our graduation rate and proficiency rates at the same place.”

Meanwhile, board member Monica Ratliff remains unconvinced that the district has chosen the most effective device. Ratliff cited student reports saying laptops were easier for completing writing assignments. “My intent is to make sure our students have the best devices and the best curriculum as we move forward,” she said.

The school district has negotiated a contract with Apple and Pearson, an online curriculum developer, putting the per tablet price at $768, which also includes software, a protective case and a warranty. The project is expected to cost roughly $1 billion when fully implemented, and includes Wi-Fi upgrades, increased electricity bills, maintenance and licensing. The department will also receive discounts at various price points. However, school board member Steve Zimmer is still concerned about the large price tag. “I don’t feel like we have the best contract,” said Zimmer. “I’ve done everything I can to get my head to a place where I feel comfortable with the contract, but I’m not.”

Long-term funding for the project and devices, which have a three-year guarantee, also remain in question. The one-time sale of school construction bonds to be repaid over 25 years is intended to fund the project. Any leftover monies could be devoted to purchasing more devices, according to Chief Strategy Officer Matt Hill. However, Hill cautioned that bonds would only cover a quarter of future maintenance and repair costs. He added that funds could also be raised through voter-approved bonds, or pulled from the general fund.

Deasy initially aimed for full board approval by December 2013, and complete iPad integration by 2015, bringing the program to the district’s 450 remaining schools. However, he admitted at the Nov. 12 meeting that this date could be pushed back as a result of lingering board concerns.

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The Senate Education Committee approved AB 1266 last week with the intention of allowing transgender students access to facilities and programs, such as locker rooms and sports teams, which are divided by gender. Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, introduced the bill.

“No student can learn if they feel they have to hide who they are in school,” Ammiano said to the committee.

The bill would “require that a pupil be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.”

A similar policy was implemented in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in 2004. According to Judy Chiasson, program coordinator at LAUSD’s Office of Human Relations Diversity & Equity, since implementing the policy, LAUSD has created a safer environment in which students can place more focus on their school work versus fear of being stigmatized by everyday choices.

“They feel safer they feel more affirmed they don’t worry about having to navigate gender in that way,” Chiasson said. “Students start to see school as a safe place where they’re affirmed, rather than a dangerous place where they’re marginalized.”

Chiasson testified at the committee hearing and stated that since implementation, there has not been a single issue with a transgender student in LAUSD. All students, for any reason, are also invited to use private facilities.

No costs or renovations were required in implementing the policy.

Some parents, though many from out of state or out of the district, have voiced concerns with the policy to allow transgender students equal access to school facilities and programs, Chiasson said.

“In philosophy, it can be concerning that our fears are going to help us conjure up really frightening images,” Chiasson said.
There are often fears that sexual predators will take advantage of the policy, Chiasson said. However, in the nearly 10 years since the district took on the polity, none of those fears have materialized.

“They’re worried about it in philosophy,” Chiasson said. “But they never have a complaint when it’s put into practice.”

Chiasson considers unequal access to sex-segregated facilities and programs for transgender students a barrier to education. And though there may be fears, California legislators should keep the best interest of students at heart.

“Everybody needs to behave appropriately and responsibly in these settings,” she said. “But we can’t let our discomfort stand in the way of doing the right thing for children.”
 

The post California Bill May Allow Students Equal Access Based on Gender Identity appeared first on 91视频.

The post California Bill May Allow Students Equal Access Based on Gender Identity appeared first on 91视频.

The Senate Education Committee approved AB 1266 last week with the intention of allowing transgender students access to facilities and programs, such as locker rooms and sports teams, which are divided by gender. Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, introduced the bill.

“No student can learn if they feel they have to hide who they are in school,” Ammiano said to the committee.

The bill would “require that a pupil be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.”

A similar policy was implemented in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in 2004. According to Judy Chiasson, program coordinator at LAUSD’s Office of Human Relations Diversity & Equity, since implementing the policy, LAUSD has created a safer environment in which students can place more focus on their school work versus fear of being stigmatized by everyday choices.

“They feel safer they feel more affirmed they don’t worry about having to navigate gender in that way,” Chiasson said. “Students start to see school as a safe place where they’re affirmed, rather than a dangerous place where they’re marginalized.”

Chiasson testified at the committee hearing and stated that since implementation, there has not been a single issue with a transgender student in LAUSD. All students, for any reason, are also invited to use private facilities.

No costs or renovations were required in implementing the policy.

Some parents, though many from out of state or out of the district, have voiced concerns with the policy to allow transgender students equal access to school facilities and programs, Chiasson said.

“In philosophy, it can be concerning that our fears are going to help us conjure up really frightening images,” Chiasson said.
There are often fears that sexual predators will take advantage of the policy, Chiasson said. However, in the nearly 10 years since the district took on the polity, none of those fears have materialized.

“They’re worried about it in philosophy,” Chiasson said. “But they never have a complaint when it’s put into practice.”

Chiasson considers unequal access to sex-segregated facilities and programs for transgender students a barrier to education. And though there may be fears, California legislators should keep the best interest of students at heart.

“Everybody needs to behave appropriately and responsibly in these settings,” she said. “But we can’t let our discomfort stand in the way of doing the right thing for children.”
 

The post California Bill May Allow Students Equal Access Based on Gender Identity appeared first on 91视频.

The post California Bill May Allow Students Equal Access Based on Gender Identity appeared first on 91视频.