My students need really need access to chrome books in the Learning Center. Our students currently have access to chrome books in their classrooms. Having a charging station increases availability for use and security of computers.
Students at EA come from all across the Bay Area. We are a small (approximately 400 student) Public Charter School located in the heart of downtown Oakland. 80%+ of our students qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch Programs.
We operate as a full inclusion High School serving diverse students of all backgrounds and abilities.
For many of our Special Education students, this will be their first school experience outside of Specialized Classrooms (with other Special Needs peers). We work tirelessly to support our students goals and aspirations and aim to move them beyond the label of disability.
Unfortunately, in California Special Education receives block grants through the state based on student population rather than per special needs student. While this prevents schools from over-identifying students with learning disabilities, it also makes no accommodation for if your student population stays the same, but your special ed population grows. For example, here at Envision Academy, five years ago we provided Special Education services for approximately 20 students out of a school total of 400. Now still with 400 odd students and 54 students with identified disabilities, our funding has not increased. This puts us in a hard spot.
My Project
At my school, our Administration has worked very hard to get all classrooms to 1:1 computers, however, the Learning Center was not included in this.
It is essential that students with special needs receive the same access to supports as their peers.
Access to chrome books allow for Learning Specialists (Special Ed Teachers) to engage their students in more meaningful work and access class materials that are held online. We currently share 3 chrome books in the Learning Center for our 50+ Special Ed population. Having access to additional technology, somewhere to charge the computers, and lock them up safely would be truly transformative.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Jessi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
