Portland Public Schools: PPS Achieves 1:1 Student-To-Chromebook Ratio, Thanks To Generosity Of Voters And Partners

Press release from Portland Public Schools:

November 4, 2021

Portland Public Schools has reached a major milestone in making sure our students have the technology they need in a 21st century learning environment. This fall, PPS has become what’s known as a 1:1 Chromebook district, meaning every student in grades 3 to 12 has been provided with a Chromebook for use at school and home.

The ratio was made possible by the generosity of Portland voters, who approved the $1.2 billion 2020 School Bond, of which $128.2 million is set aside for educational technology upgrades. We also greatly benefitted from our partnership with Verizon, which has provided free devices to our students, including 2,500 just this fall to students at George, Kellogg and Lane Middle Schools, and Roosevelt High School.

In addition to a 1:1 ratio for 3-12 grades, PPS has established a 2:1 ratio for K-2 students. One device is available for every two K-2 students, with Chromebooks remaining in the classroom.

The program is branded as “PPS 121” (for one-to-one). One-to-one technology provides anytime/anywhere learning and opens doors to creativity, collaboration, community, communication and critical thinking skills that students need to compete and contribute in our local and the global society.

Students and families can learn more about PPS’s Chromebooks at the devices webpage of the Office of Technology and Security (OTIS). Information on privacy, receiving and returning Chromebooks, understanding student accounts, and device care and responsibility can be found on OTIS's Students & Families webpage.

In addition to upgrading devices, School Bond-funded technology work will include fiberoptic backbones at each school, improved internet access in each classroom and in non-classroom spaces, laser projectors with higher image quality, and audio amplification in classrooms. Learn more at the Bond Educational Technology Improvements webpage.

This press release was produced by Portland Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.