East Whittier School District Equips First and Second Graders and Teachers with 1,400 Chromebooks

whittier

East Whittier City School District in Whittier, CA is equipping first and second grade students and teachers with more than 1,400 Chromebooks to expand student access to high-quality content and instruction, improve student learning and narrow the achievement gap.

The new technology — added under a multi-year initiative — is designed to strengthen achievement on grade-level California standards by increasing critical thinking, problem solving, collaborative and multimedia research opportunities, according to a news release.

The 2:1 Technology Learning Initiative, as it's dubbed, was launched in 2015-2016 to place a digital device in the hands of every two students. In the first year, Chromebooks and Chromebook carts went to students in third grade through middle school.

With the Chromebooks, students can work collaboratively via Google Classroom, a learning platform that allows teachers to create, review, grade and provide feedback on automatically submitted assignments by students. Teachers can also create essays and presentations to support classroom learning.

“These tools are enabling our students to learn in relevant, real-world contexts,” Assistant Superintendent of Education Support Services Gabriela Tavitian said in a statement. “Our students will gain 21st century skills while becoming familiar with technology needed for our state testing.”

The district will continue to provide teacher training through a technology coach and site tech leaders to maintain best practices for integrating technology into instruction, the release said.

About the Author

Richard Chang is associate editor of THE Journal. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • open digital book with a glowing holographic AI assistant emerging from its pages

    Partnership Brings AI Teaching Assistant to SchoolsPLP Course Library

    SchoolsPLP, a provider of PreK-12 digital curriculum and learning solutions, has partnered with Agilix Labs to integrate the latter's BusyBee AI teaching assistant into its K-12 course library.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft Shutting Down Skype

    Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.