The initiative, called Class 1:1, aims to enhance learning through technology while grounding this with classroom instruction, KISD Director of Instructional Technology Darlene Rankin said in an email. Students will be able to use the laptop in school and at home beginning in the upcoming school year.
The details
According to the district website, students will be allowed to use the laptop for:
- Classroom assignments
- Access to Canvas, calculators, textbooks and other district-approved software
By the numbers
KISD will spend almost $16.21 million to launch the program, which is funded by the $806.56 million bond approved by voters in November, according to bond information on the district website. Voters approved the $83.57 million Proposition B, which was specifically for classroom and campus technology.
While families won’t pay for the laptops, parents and guardians are required to purchase insurance for $20 per student device each year, Rankin said. The insurance covers:
- Two repairs
- One replacement
Why it matters
Rankin said the Class 1:1 initiative is important to provide more support for the district’s growing population, some of whom don’t have a dedicated laptop at home.
A little over 96,000 students were enrolled in KISD as of July 1, according to district data. Additionally, demographic firm Population and Survey Analysts predicts KISD’s enrollment could hit 97,207 in the 2024-25 school year and anywhere from 103,000-116,000 by 2033.
Meanwhile, almost all Texas households—94.8%—have a computer, but fewer households—88.4%—have a broadband internet subscription, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 2022 five-year estimates.What else
The initiative also ties into the district’s new cellphone and smart watch policy, which prohibits students from using the devices during instructional times.
With the Class 1:1 laptops, this will eliminate the need to use personal devices or cellphones during school hours, Rankin said.
