One investment firm estimates that schools will experience a $2 billion savings in lower fuel prices for the current fiscal year and could likely spend this "found money" on technology and consumables such as digital content. However, what could turn out to be a boon for some states could have detrimental effects on other states.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 01/07/15
Renaissance Charter High School for Innovation in New York City has replaced its home-grown information system with a consolidated student information and financial system.
California's San Marino Unified School District has adopted an online registration and payment system in an effort to streamline the processes.
"In addition to the purely legal issue, [student data privacy is] really something that school districts should look at from a PR and political perspective and to engage the right people throughout the process," according to attorney Bret Cohen.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 12/11/14
In spite of what has been classified as a "criminal investigation" at the Los Angeles Unified School District regarding its discontinued 1-to-1 iPad program, the district is plowing ahead with purchases of iPads to prepare its students for Smarter Balanced online assessments. At the same time the district will also be purchasing Google Chromebooks.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 12/03/14
Delsia Malone has headed W.E. Striplin — the Gadsden, AL, school she attended as a child — since 2004. Under her leadership, the K-5, Title I school now boasts a computer lab, iPads in every classroom, MacBooks for every teacher and a 1-to-1 program for fifth-grade students.
Hutchinson Public Schools in Kansas has integrated a document management system with its student and business management systems.
These three approaches are tried out by more than 96 percent of schools that have received federal School Improvement Grants (SIGs), according to a research project that is specifically studying the improvement practices adopted by low-performing schools.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 10/30/14
Software company SunGard is updating its financial and HR program, BusinessPLUS, with new forms to help districts manage a host of administrative-related tasks, such as staff travel, expenses, and vacation time.
- By Stephen Noonoo
- 10/15/14
SchoolReach has launched its new Community App solution, which is designed to help schools create custom-branded iPhone and Android apps. Customized apps can include modules such as school calendars, staff directories, homework info, lunch menus and social media accounts.
- By Christopher Piehler
- 10/09/14