Dexter takes initial step toward laptops for students

The day will likely come, and within the foreseeable future, when school textbooks in large part will be a thing of the past. The Dexter Board of Education took the initial step during this week's board meeting to head that direction.

Although no action was taken, the board heard a report from Assistant Supt. Corey Mouser regarding his recent visit to Poplar Bluff Schools to assess their transition to what is referred to as "1:1 Learning," which is essentially integrating the use of laptop computers for every student.

Poplar Bluff Schools have begun the transition at the middle school level, Mouser told the board.

A significant obstacle in implementing the 1:1 program in many school districts is the lack of bandwidth. For the local district, that shouldn't be a problem. Prior to the discussion regarding the transition to 1:1, the board opted to double their bandwidth capability with the Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet), which provides internet connectivity, access to Internet2, technical support and video-conferencing services and training to Missouri's K-12 schools and educational entities. The additional bandwidth comes at an annual cost of $2,678.89.

"The increase in band width will provide more than enough capability for connectivity when a 1:1 program is implemented," Mouser confirmed.

Still, there are many issues to be considered in going to 1:1. Cost, of course, is the most significant factor when looking at the transition. Internet filters is another, along with insurance on the units, printing capabilities, and working out a feasible students fee and agreement policy for student use of the laptops at home.

"There are a lot of things to be considered," Mouser said. "This is going to be at least a three-year process."

He further explained, "In a 1:1 situation we would be looking for the majority of the curriculum, textbooks and etc., to be in a digital format. You can purchase the textbooks in an e-book format at a savings."

Whether that savings would exceed the cost of the devices, remains to be seen, Mouser stated.

Citing the advantage of going to digital curriculum, Mouser stated, "The most significant advantage to a laptop over a tablet is the extent of work that can be completed using the laptop. Most tablet devices are based on the mobile format of websites and run Apps instead of full versions of programs and therefore do not have the full functionality of the actual program or website."

Board members agreed that the district needs to move forward with a plan to go to the 1:1 Learning program.

"If we're looking at a three-year process," said Board Member Kenny Pope, "then if we don't get started now, we're going to be way behind."

Nancy Mayer agreed. "We've got to start training teachers and planning now," she said.

Educators agree that student achievement is the most critical outcome in districts that have implemented the 1:1 learning program.

The Metiri Group, a California-based educational technology firm that evaluates digital learning initiatives, conducted an analysis of 1 on 1 learning programs across the U.S. in 2006 and found that overall, students earned significantly higher test scores and grades for writing, English-Language Arts, Mathematics and boosted their overall GPA averages than students in a non 1:1 program.

Students, according to the Metiri report, reported they completed more work in a quicker manner and of improved quality using the laptop devices.

The issue of going 1:1 with digital curriculum will be further studied, with Mouser consulting with the district's technology staff in the immediate future.

The board covered a host of other topics Tuesday night. Two board policies were revised. The first deals with changes to the qualifications for potential board members. The second refers to the time limit teachers have when referring a child abuse incident to outside authorities.

The board was also updated on the progress of the construction project at Dexter High School. The corridor connecting the Agriculture Department to the main building is "progressing nicely," according to Supt. Tom Sharp. "We may see completion over the Christmas break," he said.

In executive session, the board accepted retirement notification letters effective at the end of the 2013 -2014 school year from five staff members. They include High School Librarian Rhonda Lowery, Middle School Science Teacher Kristi Hook, Central Elementary Title I Instructor Kathy Wooten, High School Special Ed Instructor Terry Temples, High School Special Education Instructor Vicki Windham, who also serves as Cheerleading co-sponsor for high school football, and Central Elementary Counselor Dennis Keith.

Submitting letters of resignation at the conslusion of the current school year were Shawn Guethle, who teaches high school math and serves as assistant boys' basketball coach at the high schoool and Tamara Crowley, who is only resigning her extra duty as co-sponsor for varsity football cheerleading.

Another notification of retirement, that of Southwest Elementary Instructor Jane Robertson, was accepted during a recent special session of the board.