This page was created by Lorena Rojas. 

Teaching & Learning in the 21st Century

Funding Options

If the District wanted to become a 1:1 environment with tablets and laptops, it would cost an estimated $311 million as of June 2016 for these types of devices in addition to personnel support according to current ITD inventory data. However, due to limited funds to make a 1:1 environment a reality at this time, the ITI Task Force discussed alternative funding options considered or undertaken by other Districts across the nation.

In order to provide access to digital learning devices District-wide and realize the vision of the ITI Task Force recommendations, the following funding models were discussed:
Bond Funds
Pursuing another existing bond measure or a parcel tax approved for future purchasing is one option to support the instructional paradigm shift outlined in this report. In order to ensure that these monies are making a significant impact, the task force recommends using the Education Technology Grant model, which is a matching funds opportunity. This model was founded on a matching grant design, providing monies for schools who demonstrated a commitment to personalized learning to purchase hardware with bond dollars. The Ed Tech Grant opportunity was available for all schools to apply to which 343 schools submitted an application. In total, 242 schools were awarded a grant, where schools were required to provide matching school funds. Thus, the Ed Tech Grant effort resulted in schools providing a combined total of $3,704,508 in non-bond matching funds. The use of monies in this model has demonstrated that schools are interested in technology with the appropriate support.

Textbook Funds
Purchasing digital content allows access to additional open educational resources. The District currently is adopting ELA/ELD digital content, and previously has purchased math digital content for elementary grade levels.  Other school Districts such as San Diego Unified and Riverside Unified have decided to spend textbook budget funds to invest in digital content.

External Partnerships
Partnering with large companies or local business to support the purchase of learning devices has been a strategy employed at a variety of Districts across the nation. The Division of Instruction will be opening an Innovation Department in Summer 2016 to support and facilitate external partnership efforts. 

Leasing Devices
In an effort to maintain schools with the latest technology capabilities, the task force recommends L.A. Unified consider saving money by discussing with vendors the opportunity of leasing equipment.  

BYOD
BYOD remained a critical topic throughout task force workgroup meetings. However, the NETP cautions the implementation of a BYOD program due to several misconceptions. While it would lessen the cost of purchasing devices for the District, it would put a greater onus on families to provide technology needed for instruction. Thus, the District has convened a subcommittee to take a closer look at BYOD to determine its impact on stakeholders and its utility as a cost-saving alternative.