The Empower 1:1 student device program has seen a successful implementation in Allen ISD, with each student in the District having access to a device for instruction. With this implementation reaching all students and with security in mind, Allen ISD will discontinue the use of the BYOD computer device policy for students starting in the school year 2023-2024. This means students will not be able to use their own computer devices on campus when the new school year starts.  Key considerations that were taken into account to reach this decision include:

• The Empower 1:1 student device program has been established and provides a device for instruction to each student in the district.

• District devices are set up to access all the instructional and testing applications that are required for student use by grade level.

• Security and filtering policies are inherently more consistent, manageable and enforceable in district provided devices.

• The increase in online testing makes it more important than ever for students to be familiar with devices provided by the district in particular because students cannot test on their own devices.

• Technical support by both district IT staff and teachers as needed, is more effective and streamlined when students are utilizing district devices.

• Consistency of devices helps to minimize classroom downtime due to connectivity or usability issues personal devices may experience.

• Allen ISD has implemented logistical processes as part of the Empower 1:1 program to make sure devices for instruction are available on campus by the start of school (distribution dates vary by campus and grade level), effectively providing district devices to all students from the beginning of the year.

Important information for students and families:

• Campuses will provide information to families and students regarding the dates and locations to pick up their district issued devices at the beginning of the year.

• Use of technology in Allen ISD requires adherence to the district’s Responsible Use Policy and Student Code of Conduct provided for signature as part of the back to school forms.

• • • Does Allen ISD have enough devices for all students enrolled in schools?

      • Yes. The district implemented the student Empower 1:1 program in 2021, effectively making available a device for every student in the district. To learn more about the current Empower 1:1 program including device information, grade levels and device insurance options, click here.  

    • Will the district have a process to approve the use of personal devices by students?

      • Unfortunately not at this time. The district provides devices to all students as part of the Empower 1:1 student device program.

    • What device will be provided to students in Allen ISD under the Empower 1:1 student device program for the 23-24 school year?

      • Pre-Kindergarten: iPads

      • Kinder-1st grade: Lenovo 500e Touchscreen Chromebooks 2nd Generation

      • 2nd-11th grade: Lenovo 500e Touchscreen Chromebooks 3rd Generation

      • 12th grade: Lenovo 500e Touchscreen Chromebooks 2nd Generation

    • Will I have to buy insurance for the district issued device?

      • Purchasing the insurance for district devices is highly recommended but not required. Damaged devices not covered under insurance are subject to repair costs. For all district device insurance information click here.

    • Will students be allowed to keep their district device over the summer if attending summer school?

      • Students in grades 9-11 will take their devices home over the summer. Students in elementary and middle school summer programs will be provided devices for summer school on campus if the program requires it.

    • Will students be able to bring their phones to school?

      • The district BYOD network will not be available for students to connect their phones. Students phone usage in schools must strictly adhere to the student handbook policies for use of phone devices during the school day. 

    • Will students be able to bring their own peripherals (i.e. mouse, keyboard, etc.)?

      • Yes. Bluetooth peripherals are not affected by the discontinuation of the use of the BYOD network by students. 

    • Will the students still be able to access instructional applications such as Canvas, Google Classroom, etc., on their own computer devices at home and off campus?

      • Yes.

    • Will the students be able to use their own device at home to access and work on school resources/activities?

      • Yes. All students digital instructional applications are cloud based and thus accessible anytime/anywhere provided there is an internet connection.

    • Will the district provide devices for special needs?

      • The district Information Technology department has worked directly with leadership in the Special Services department to plan and outfit special education programs with specific devices based on student needs. The Chromebook and iPad devices Allen ISD provides to students through the 1:1 program include usability and accessibility features to support learning accordingly. 

    • When will district devices be available for students for the school year 2023-2024?

      • In short, at the beginning of the school year. The district has worked ahead to ensure all devices needed for the school year 2023-2024 are ready far in advance of the new school year. Campuses will communicate with parents the specifics regarding device distribution for school year 2023-2024.

    • Will CTE students use their own devices or school issued devices?

      • School issued devices. Allen ISD provides the technology and resources needed to effectively teach CTE courses in district classrooms.

    • What happens if accidental damage to a school provided device occurs? 

      • For more information regarding insurance device options and the cost to replace district damaged devices click here.

    • Will the district have exceptions and special allowances for students' network access for medical devices?

      • Yes. Medical devices that have been connected in the past to the district network will continue to be provided with connectivity accordingly. For new requests, please contact your campus nurse.

    • Will the students be able to connect their own devices to the district network?

      • No.

    • Does Allen ISD have enough network bandwidth and density of WIFI to support the Empower 1:1 program with district provided devices?

      • Yes.

    • Will the Guest Network continue to be available for Allen ISD guests (E.G. PTA volunteers, guest speakers, etc.)?

      • Yes