They act like it is an honor to give them lots of money instead of saying "thank you".

It is little more than buying lots of ipads with probably some hooks for using "best practices" that only apple would consider best practices as they serve apple.

http://lwcharterschools.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Apple-Education-Recognition-Program-Overview-2012-2013.pdf

Not a fan.

I would like to see other platforms considered, apple does not play well with others, giving flash the kibosh and scuttling java on occasion, overbearing development restrictions and proprietary everything. Something that the kids could actually program themselves if they wanted to would be ideal IMHO, certainly something that fosters cross-platform collaboration would be a good idea.

Even if the "award" is really only just more marketing for Apple, it still does serve the purpose of getting Richmond's and D303's names out there in the public eye as a school and a district that are willing to try innovative ideas in education. I am already aware of at least one family that, when they decided to move to St. Charles, specifically moved into the Richmond/Davis attendance area because they firmly believe that it will provide a better education for their daughter when she starts school in two years. Publicity like this, even if you think it rings a bit hollow, cannot hurt.

Here's another point to consider. D303 is making a concerted push to integrate technology into its curriculum. This is something a lot of school districts are finding difficult to do, in terms of affordability and otherwise. Yet the tech part of our future, particularly as it relates to what our children are learning, is very relevant to how they will be able to function in the future. I work on Apple products and understand with Dave B's frustration on that front. My personal laptop and my tablet are both Windows 7- and Android-based systems. I prefer them, but still have to work on the other. That the kids are learning this now, so that it will be a part of their educational base when they get to be my age, is going to help them better deal with the frustrations technology sometimes poses to those of us who didn't start getting to learn it until post-college work.

The only reason Richmond "improved" was because they shipped half the students to Davis and intermingled the two.
The IPads are a joke (unless you like Angry Birds) and the school's logistics have been a nightmare.

This program should have greatly improved Davis too. How's that working out?

"Schlomann also said earlier this year that rather than being a way to avoid having a school labeled a failure, the district expects that now Davis Primary may get that label.

First- and second-graders do not take the Illinois Standards Achievement Tests; Davis' 2012 AYP status will be determined by how the third-graders at Richmond Intermediate do on the tests."

Congratulations to Richmond teachers! This is a prestigious award and only schools that are using the iPads to further student achievement are considered.
It is so exciting to see Richmond's efforts recognized, however the teachers deserve far more. Everyday, our teachers devote extra time and energy to our students. Our teachers are willing to take risks and try new methods to engage students. In addition to the technology, The foreign language and extra science blocks are a huge benefit to my son. With regards to ipad usage, I am happy to say that I see teachers using the iPads in innovative and creative ways. Students use iPads to compile and evaluate research. iPads are used to aide in collaboration between students. Students are regularly using iPads to organize their thoughts through mind mapping applications. Most students can independently create presentations using their iPads and communicate their ideas to the class. While these critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills are not necessarily measured on ISAT assessments, they are skills our students need to be successful in college as well as in their careers.
I consider myself very fortunate to have a student attending Richmond Intermediate. Congratulations to the wonderful teachers and staff!! Go Tigers!

Davis Dragon's are the best. D-A-V-I-S