1:1 Program

CCSS Institutes a One-to-One Laptop Program in Grades 3-12

Central Community School System is investing in its students today, their futures, and the Central community with the incorporation of a One-to-One Laptop Program. This program provides access to technology resources for all students in grades 3-12 to prepare them for an ever-changing workforce.

The district goals for the program include increased student achievement and learning with an emphasis on developing the knowledge and problem-solving skills required for the establishment of a changing workforce; access to equal educational opportunities through access to technology; increased student engagement, resulting in increased attendance; student ownership of learning, and reduced off-task behaviors; increased student-centered instruction; and opportunities for students to be academically empowered. One of the many positive results is that students will become respectful digital citizens who are responsible with technology.

Learning is still the focus in the classroom. The laptops do not monopolize the classroom, nor will they replace quality teaching. The laptops will follow a long list of learning tools used in classrooms for learning throughout time such as chalk boards, pencils, white boards, calculators, encyclopedias, typewriters, film strips, records, and CD-ROMs. Such devices give students better opportunities to read, research, organize, create, and communicate across disciplines. There are lessons in the absence of technology. Paper and pencil, as well as other learning tools, are still used in the classroom.

This program ensures that students are prepared for a future that is filled with consistently changing technology. Please contact the principal at your child’s school if you have questions about the program. Thank you for your continued support of Central Community School System.

Laptop Program FAQs

If we already own a laptop, can my child use this one instead of the school-issued laptop?

No. A 1:1 learning program is successful when everyone, including teachers, works from an identical platform with identical software. This is analogous to students reading the same edition of a textbook or the same translation of a classical work.

I heard that the user fee is $20. What if I have more than one student in grades 6-12?

A single student's user fee is $20. Each student in grades 6-12 will need to have a separate $20 fee and consent form provided to their school. If 2 students go to the same school, one $40 dollar payment will be accepted, but consent forms will need to be provided for each student.


What protection is in place on the CCSS laptop?

CCSS provided laptops are equipped with the same filtering protection students are used to at school. Any sites blocked at school will also be blocked away from school, but parents are ultimately responsible for their students’ Internet travels when they are not at school.

How are issues of inappropriate usage handled?

These issues will be handled the same way that they are now. Acceptable Use Policy infractions are considered disciplinary issues and are handled accordingly on a case by case basis.

Can I create my own account on my child’s CCSS-issued laptop?

No. Adding an account can compromise the security of the laptop and the district’s ability to support and maintain that laptop. In addition, students are responsible for any actions taken on their school-issued laptop, which includes any actions of a secondary user on that laptop.

May students take the laptop home?

Yes, students should take their laptops home not only for school work but also to charge them. Students must bring their laptops to school every day with a full battery charge.

Have we studied other school systems that have implemented this long term? Have we asked the hard questions such as," What would you do differently? What has been a nightmare for you in this process?"

Yes, we have spoken with several school districts that are currently participating in a 1:1 initiative. The devices of these initiatives ranged from iPads, MacAirs, MacBooks, Tablets, and Windows laptops. We have also had several phone conversations with technology directors across the country on the trials and tribulations of their 1:1 initiatives.

Does my student have to use a laptop?

Educational resources and content will be delivered via Schoology and the student network. The 1:1 program also brings indivdiual learning to your student. If you elect to not participate in the 1:1 program, your student will still be expected to complete the same assignments as the students with the laptops.

I am undecided about whether I want my student to bring the device home each day. What are the benefits of bringing the device home?

The laptop is a personal device and allows students to store notes, handouts, books, instructional videos and a large variety of other applications that are designed to help students with mastery. The use of the device outside of school gives students access to all of their materials 24/7.

Do we have to have Internet access at home?

In many cases, no. Students can download resources while at school onto the laptop from Schoology or other sites in order to complete homework assignments at home and upload their work as soon as they return to campus the next morning. This will require more effort and planning on the student, but it is certainly doable. Research or web-based sites needed for homework completion would need Internet access.

Is CCSS providing an Internet carrier for home use?

No, but Cox Communications offers Internet service at a discounted rate for free or reduced lunch students. Call 1-855-222-3252 for more information. Also go to the Connect 2 Compete page in the CCSS Technology pages on the district website.

However, while not required, at home Internet will assist students in conducting research for assignments from time to time; students can visit the public library, some chain restaurants to take advantage of free WiFi. (There are currently more than 80 businesses in Baton Rouge that offer free WiFi.)

Will my child use the laptop in every course?

The laptop will be the student’s tool to use at school. We expect that how it is used will vary based on subject area. Each of our teachers has a Schoology site where students find class notes, assignments, etc. The expectation is that the laptop will be utilized across disciplines, when it is the appropriate learning tool for the content.

What if a student forgets to bring the laptop to school?

If students fail to bring their devices to school, they are responsible for completing course work as though they had their device with them. The situation will be handled in the same matter as a student forgetting to bring other required resources to class.

Will my student need to spend hours on the laptop for homework now?

The laptop is a learning tool which will support classroom instruction. Homework done on a laptop is not specifically designed to take more time than paper and pencil.

Is the school going paperless? Will everything be done on the laptop?

No. The school will use the laptops as a tool for learning in the same way textbooks, notebooks, videos, and other resources are used. There is no plan to go paperless. It is important that our students communicate intellectually via the both the written and spoken word, as well as visually. This feat will be accomplished by an integration of many tools, not just computers.

Will my student spend too much time looking at computer screens?

Not all learning activities will involve laptops at home or at school. Laptops are learning tools which will support what is going on in the classroom.

How is using the laptop in a 1 to 1 learning environment supposed to help student achievement?

Some inpiduals comprehend electronic text differently than printed text. Students’ standardized tests such as End of Course and ACT are administered online. It is helpful to students if they have experiences reading electronic text prior to these assessment environments. Teachers are already learning new ways to engage students with content information in ways that they actively interact with the material which results in better understanding and mastery of the content.

Please contact your principal if you have further questions.