A report by a committee chaired by LAUSD Board of Education member Monica Ratliff found that LAUSD’s iPad program has issues with planning, transparency, and bidding problems. ; Credit: Photo by Lexie Flickinger/Brad Flickinger via Flickr Creative Commons
A report by a committee chaired by LAUSD Board of Education member Monica Ratliff found that LAUSD’s iPad program has issues with planning, transparency, and bidding problems.
The program has been widely criticized as a misuse of funding, and the report found that a flawed bidding process catered directly to providers Apple and Pearson. The committee, made up of parents, employees, district officials, and community members, found that LAUSD needlessly limited its options on price and product, creating tailored restrictions to involve Apple and Pearson in the project.
The iPad program has had issues from the start, with some schools having to modify internet filters and change rules about when and where the technology should be used. Proponents of the program say that students and teachers are excited about the opportunity to use iPads in the classroom and that LAUSD’s incorporation of technology breaks down access barriers.
What issues does the iPad program face? How should the district address these problems?
Guests:
Annie Gilbertson,KPCC education reporter covering LAUSD
Steve Zimmer, member of the LAUSD Board of Education representing District 4, including Brentwood, Hollywood, Encino, and Marina Del Rey
Alex Caputo-Pearl, president, UTLA