Lakeville Schools Using State Funding to Help Technology Push

The is currently in the process of implementing the "iLearn 194 Technology Initiative," a project that will increase and improve learning through technology in Lakeville's schools.

“This generation is very digital,” said Superintendent Dr. Lisa Snyder. “That’s the world we live in now.”

Over the next 18 months, classrooms and teachers who have received district grants will pioneer the tools and resources included in iLearn 194. An estimated 50 classrooms acorss the district will be among the first to test Lakeville’s new approach to technology.

Snyder said the district has $2.1 million in funding for the 2012-2014 Early Implementers Program. A large portion of this revenue comes from the $1.1 million in one time Basic Skills Funding, which Lakeville schools received from the state of Minnesota. The district was given these funds by the state legislature as the result of a special legislative session. The funds are only to be used for the 2012-13 school year.

“You always want to use one-time money to fund something that’s going to last” said Snyder.

Much of the remaining funding comes from district budgets and resources that have been repurposed and reallocated. According to a presentation posted on the district website, $85,000 was repurposed from the resource budget and $29,000 was repurposed from the equipment budget. $20,000 was allocated from special education funding.

iLearn 194 is a partnership with Apple and will provide Lakeville teachers with ipod, ipad and laptop training. The project will also give the district access to education research from Apple.

The project’s many goals include increasing student motivation and engagement, cultivating innovative learning and thinking and improving career-readiness.

iLearn 194 will provide 24/7 access to learning. The district intends to install wireless internet in all district buildings, increase online learning, and offer a video archive of lessons. The project will also personalize learning by offering specialized software for English language learners, special education, gifted education and other students.

“I think there’s a demand for this,” said Jim Skelly, a director on the District 194 school board. “Frankly, we’re behind in this area.”