California School Pressures Parents to Buy IPads
The American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU) is challenging an elementary school’s drive to put technology into the hands of every student, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported this week. Tierra Bonita Elementary School, in Poway, California has initiated a technology program requiring every fourth and fifth grader to have an iPad or similar tablet-style computer. Students were given the choice of using their own device, buying one from the district for $379 (plus $79 warranty and $25 case), or renting or borrowing one from the district.
The problem with their program, according to the ACLU, is that they warned parents the program would be halted if more than 10% of families had to borrow a device. Furthermore, the principal told parents “We are just 15 commitments away from being the first school in
Teacher Raises in Omaha
As unlikely as it might seem, there are a few people other than CEOs and Wall Street Bankers receiving raises these days. Even more unbelievable is that some of these are teachers.
Members of the Millard Education Association (Omaha, Nebraska), have won a 1.5% raise for the 2012-13 school year and a 3.3% raise for the 2013-14 school year under their new contract, according to Omaha World Herald. The contract also increases stipends for coaches and other extra duties like band directing. Millard Public Schools is the state's third-largest school district with roughly 1,700 teachers.
Under the new contract, head football coaches will receive a $7,500 stipend next year and $8,600 in 2013-14. High school band directors will get a $7,560 stipend for the next two years.