"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow."

John Dewey

EducationThe Digital Way

Bringing LUSD Schools into the 21st Century

“Do not confine your children to your own learning, for they were born in another time.”

Chinese Proverb

Purpose of Tonight

• Start a discussion, not make a decision• Update Board members• Get feedback• Give Direction

ProposalLUSD Board of Education gives

the Superintendent direction to investigate and report on the concept of introducing a digital K – 8 school(s) for the

school year 2013 – 2014.

Discussion Points

What is a Digital School?• Instruction is primarily presented in a digital

format to students using digital devices.• Students use presentation and productivity

software to present projects and demonstrate mastery of skills.

• Students use technology to complete assignments such as writing to websites.

Discussion Points

What is a Digital School?• Students are taught to use technology for

broadening research and knowledge.• Students are taught the consequences of

internet research and learn to view it with healthy skepticism.

“Any teacher that can be replaced by a computer

deserves to be."

David Thornburg

Discussion Points

What a Digital School is Not• It is not a virtual school.• Teachers are not replaced with computers;

they use them as tools.• Digital schools are not some new fad.

“The need to know the capital of Florida died when my phone learned the answer. Rather the students of tomorrow need to be able to think creatively; they will need

to learn on their own, adapt to new challenges and innovate on-the-fly."

Anthony Chivetta, high school student

Discussion Points

Why Do We Need a Digital School?• Students do not know computers.• Much wider breadth of instruction.• Infuses real world applications and situations

into instruction.• It is the way of the future, but there will be

problems.

Discussion Points

Why Do We Need a Digital School?• A digital classroom is an extended classroom.• It becomes a teacher training center.• Moves us further down the road to becoming

that Education Destination.

Discussion Points

What about cost?• Cost will be a factor.• No commitments until after November

election and budget fate is known.• We attempt to mitigate cost through

partnerships, grants, and creative financing.• The goal is to be as close to cost neutral as

possible.• Weigh short term cost vs. long term cost.

Discussion Points

LUSD or Charter?• Needs to be discussed when all information is

gathered.• Continue to think outside the box and look at

new ways to deliver quality educational services.

Discussion Points

What’s the next step?• Direct the Superintendent to form a

committee to investigate this opportunity.• Set study session to review possibilities.• Continue to think outside the box and look at

new ways to deliver quality educational services.

“The principle goal of education is to create men and women

who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have

done."

Jean Piaget