Last spring we shared an update to our District’s student laptop policy:

Starting this school year, all students will be required to use a District-provided Chromebook during the school day. Personal laptops will no longer be permitted for classroom use. This change is part of our commitment to creating a more secure learning environment for all students.

We understand this shift may require an adjustment, and we are here to support students through a smooth transition. Chromebooks will be equipped with the tools and resources they’ll need for daily instruction, and teachers will be able to manage classroom technology more effectively. This approach also ensures students are familiar with the devices used for important tests and helps maintain strong protections for student data and internet safety.

Why We’re Making the Transition Away from Personal Laptops

• Enhanced Security

  • Maintaining a secure digital environment is paramount. District-managed Chromebooks allow our technology team to ensure consistent security protocols, including up-to-date virus protection, malware prevention and content filtering.

  • Personal laptops, while often valuable tools, present security challenges. District staff cannot effectively troubleshoot or repair these devices, and we lack the insight necessary to guarantee they are free from potential security threats.

  • We cannot guarantee that personal devices do not contain applications that bypass District content filtering.

• Consistent Testing Environment

  • For District benchmark assessments and state-mandated testing, students are required to use Chromebooks. This transition will ensure all students are familiar and comfortable with the device they will be using for these critical assessments.

• Equitable Access and Support

  • Providing District Chromebooks ensures all students have access to a reliable, consistent and supported device. This eliminates potential disparities caused by variations in personal laptop capabilities or access.

• Software and Applications

  • District Chromebooks are configured with the specific software and applications required for classroom instruction. This ensures that all students are using the same tools, facilitating seamless collaboration and learning experiences. District-owned Chromebooks can be managed remotely, and allow for District wide software updates, and security updates. This allows for all devices to be updated at the same time, and ensures that all devices are up to date.

• Data Privacy

  • District-managed devices allow for greater control over student data privacy. We can ensure that data is handled in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the California Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA).(FERPA-U.S. Department of Education, SOPIPA-California Legislative Information).

• Classroom Management

  • It is easier for teachers to manage a classroom where all students are using the same type of device. This can help to reduce distractions and ensure that all students are focused on the lesson.

• Improved Connectivity and Bandwidth

  • District Chromebooks are configured to minimize their use of the internet, resulting in faster wifi speeds for everyone.