Johnston School Board OKs Concept of iPad for Every High School Student

An initiative that would put an iPad in every student's hand is closer to a reality after Monday's school board meeting.

The board voted 5-1 to approve the concept of a at the high school level for a price tag of $1.42 million over three years. Board member Deb Henry was opposed, while Julie Walter was absent.

Henry expressed concern on a link between increased test scores and the use of iPads in the classroom.

The program, which has been studied by district staff for nearly two years, would put an iPad in the hands of each tenth- to 12th-grade student starting the second semester of the 2012-13 school year.

On Monday, Johnston High School Principal Brent Riessen, Director of Technology Tony Sparks and Instructional Technology Coordinator Ann Wiley presented the information concerning this initiative and answered board questions.

Wiley would act as a coach for teachers and oversee the implementation of the use of iPads for the first year.

In consequent years, the district could outsource some aspects while keeping others in-house.

"This is putting technology in the kids' hands," Riessen said. "It's imperative to train kids for the next steps."

The program will aim to improve student engagement and teaching and learning.

Board member Greg Dockum said more than 100 Iowa schools have similar technology plans.

"Either we keep up or we fall behind," he said.

David Collison, a Johnston parent, said implementing the use of technology the program offers is of national interest.

"If you can instill a passion to learn, that's a beautiful thing for the mind," he said. "It's not just to improve a test score but the ability for a child to go out in the world."

The board approved the concept of the program. It will now go to policy and legal for further examination.