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First Idaho Public Smart School Launched


Lieutenant Governor Brad Little, State Senator Dean Cameron, Speaker of the House Scott Bedke and School Officials Gather to Launch One-To-One Technology at Paul Elementary

PAUL, ID (December 14th, 2012) —

Lieutenant Governor Brad Little, Speaker of the House Scott Bedke, Senator Dean Cameron, and Director of Commerce Jeff Sayer, along with principal Colleen Johnson from Paul Elementary, Minidoka Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Rogers and iSchool Campus executives, today launched the first public Smart School in Idaho. The program is based on a partnership between Paul Elementary, Minidoka Schools and iSchool Campus.

The program encourages the deployment of whole-school technology in Idaho’s public schools. During today’s event, each student and teacher at Paul Elementary School received an iPad to facilitate 21st century learning. The technology program will help the students develop the critical digital and technology skills needed to compete and thrive in a global digitally driven economy. The completion of the Paul Elementary School deployment marks one of the first of its kind in a public school setting nationwide. Government leaders and school officials conducted a tour of the school and observed the new technology that is implemented in every classroom.

The Smart School program at Paul Elementary provides the following deployment features: an Apple iPad for every student and teacher, comprehensive wireless infrastructure, flat screen TVs with device mirroring technology, MacBook computers in every classroom, internet security, software and professional development for teachers, administrators and school technology offices.

Speaking to the students at Paul Elementary, Lieutenant Governor Little said, “The most important thing we do as leaders of the state of Idaho is to give the next generation the best chance to succeed. The students at Paul will help make Idaho one of the most competitive places in the world. This technology is the conduit or the tool to help you be successful in the future.”

State Senator Dean Cameron stated, “This is an exciting moment, and one of the most gratifying ones for a legislator. This technology will not replace our teachers, but will supplement what they can do and how they help you learn. The students of Paul Elementary will be the model that others will follow.” Idaho Speaker of the House Scott Bedke added, “We believe this technology will become the norm in many classrooms around the State. We are excited to watch you progress and to roll out these opportunities to other schools around Idaho.”

Paul Elementary is the first public school in Idaho to have one-to-one technology, providing each of the school’s 455 students and every teacher with their own iPad. “The iSchool partnership offers our students much more than just access to iPads,” stated Colleen Johnson, Paul Elementary principal. “It is a gateway to information, resources, ideas and experiences that extend far beyond our classrooms. This program will result in high engagement, active learning and independent inquiry. In addition, the individualized learning opportunities also allow for tailored instruction and differentiated learning.”

Utah-based company iSchool Campus is the private vendor that has provided and implemented the comprehensive technology. iSchool CEO William Nixon stated, “An educated workforce is crucial for a prosperous economy. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting initiative to provide students and teachers in the Paul community with the opportunity to learn through innovative and imaginative methods. The Smart School approach allows these students to develop the critical learning skills they will need to be competitive when they enter college and the workforce.”

The Paul Elementary program also includes professional development and ongoing support for teachers, robust wireless infrastructure, safe and secure web filtering so students can work with their devices at home, and proprietary software to connect students and teachers.

For more information, please visit www.ischoolcampus.com



About iSchool Campus, LLC

iSchool Campus empowers educators and those they teach as the leading provider of holistic education technology, creating Smart School environments—from one-to-one tablet deployment on robust and highly secure wireless networks to interactive and analytical software along with live support 24/7.

Media Contact:

Sue Winchester
801.201.1190
sue.winchester@ischoolcampus.com

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