Forward Learning
Next Generation Learning Initiative
Next Generation Learning Initiative
There are many reasons why LVUSD has committed to this project, all of which keep student learning as the key focus. We are not doing this because it is neat or flashy; we are doing this because we sincerely feel that it is in the best interest of our students to become proficient in the use of technology to enhance their learning and to communicate and collaborate in an ethical and safe manner. The Common Core Standards both explicitly and implicitly require students in all grades to use technology to research, collaborate, and create original works. Additionally, the end-of-the-year California State Assessments begin in third grade and are administered entirely on a computer. Using technology throughout the year in an authentic manner will better prepare our students for this new generation of assessments.
Third, sixth, and ninth grades are, generally, natural times of transition, making them logical points in time to introduce and/or replace technology. The Forward Learning Plan presumes about a three year life span for devices, so these grades logically fit that timeline. Students will purchase or checkout a device at these grade levels and continue to use the same device throughout each three year time span, after which time a newer, more up-to-date device will be introduced.
LVUSD has a Technology Committee which is comprised of administrators, teachers from various grades, students, media specialist, the district's Chief Technology Officer, as well as LVUSD parents and PFA representatives. After many meetings, discussions, and research, the committee settled on this device as it most evenly balanced durability, functionality, and cost effectiveness.
The current program requires that all students carry with them and use the District-standard laptop at school for a number of reasons, including the following:
All that said, we are still an open campus and will allow students to bring any device they would like to school as well, should they wish to. Teachers will, however, expect that all students have their standard device with them to use for classroom activities and assessments.
The device will cost approximately $300. See the Laptop Purchase Program page for details.
The devices come with a two year warranty and LVUSD has plans to create repair stations at the local schools. In addition, the District's insurance partner, School Device Coverage ( https://schooldevicecoverage.com/signup ) offers insurance coverage for accidental breakage, theft, power surge, vandalism, etc.
You are not required to purchase a device for your student, but all third through twelfth grade teachers at LVUSD will be using technology to better engage and instruct their students. If a student does not have a device, he/she will use a school-owned device.
Yes. If you purchase a device for your student, it will be theirs to use (and decorate) for the length of its usable life - estimated at about three years. If your student checks out a school-owned device, they may take it home, however over long breaks such as Winter and Spring break they will be expected to turn it in to the school. Each year, they will be issued a device from the school's inventory, not necessarily the same one as the prior year.
No. The laptop will not replace the teacher or the traditional hands-on activities that also make learning fun and relevant. The teachers will carefully plan the lessons that make use of the laptops but they will also be available for 'on demand' discovery and teachable moments. Just as your student doesn't use a pencil for every learning activity at LVUSD, neither will they use the laptop for every learning activity.
Yes. Under the California Common Core State Standards, all sixth grade students in California will still learn cursive writing.
Students in all grades at LVUSD will learn and practice proper keyboarding techniques with the hope that they will become moderately proficient keyboardists by their fifth grade year.
If you purchase a laptop for your student, they will take it with them to their next grade. Students who check out school laptops will be issued a device from the school's existing inventory.
Las Virgenes Unified School District - 4111 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302