Professional Development Sparks Successful 1 to 1 Initiative in Kansas.

http://www.apple.com/education/k12/onetoone/profiles/hays.html
Apple 1 to 1 Learning

Increasing numbers of schools have seen how 1 to 1 learning can cross the digital divide for students. At Hays High School in Kansas, an iBook laptop program is helping shrink that chasm for teachers as well. When the laptops were distributed in June of 2004, Apple Professional Development kicked off an intensive teacher training effort. Now, with continuous sessions led by staff members, Hays’ faculty is maximizing the potential of its technology tools. In turn, Hays students are reaping the benefits of learning with iBook laptops and having 24/7 access to information.

“This year our math and reading test scores were up 12 to 17 percent over AYP [Adequate Yearly Progress], and we met the standard of excellence in social studies and science, scoring over the 80th percentile in both.”

— Mike Hester, Principal, Hays High School

Hays High School now dedicates 45 minutes per week to staff development. Additionally, teachers can take advantage of an optional two-hour, after-school training session each week, and an instructional technology coordinator helps ensure a high level of involvement in technology-based learning with all faculty and staff members.

With the first school year of laptop usage under their belts, Hays administrators are now starting to track changes in students’ learning. Hays Principal Mike Hester says the laptops are already making learning immediate, and closely tailored to students’ needs. Test scores of students using the iBook laptops are showing very positive trends as well.