DEPARTMENT: Pre-K 4 SA
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Sarah Baray, Ph.D.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Technology Plan for Remote Learning
SUMMARY:
This item includes a briefing of Pre-K 4 SA's technology plan to support Remote Learning, including distribution of iPads and internet services.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Due to the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 throughout Bexar County, Pre-K 4 SA announced on July 17, 2020 that in-person instruction would be delayed, and classes for the 2020-2021 academic year would begin on August 17 with 100% remote learning. This decision was made in consultation with Pre-K 4 SA’s advising physician, whose guidance is consistent with the broader medical community in recommending that implementation of in-person classes be delayed until community spread has stabilized. This is also consistent with a health directive issued by the San Antonio Metro Health Medical Director on July 17, 2020, requiring that schools not re-open for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after September 7, 2020.
When in-person instruction does resume, classroom capacity will be capped at 50% (250 per center, 1,000 total). The remaining 1,000 seats will be reserved for remote learning. The cap of 50% in-person enrollment aligns not only with strategies for minimizing potential spread of COVID-19, but also with requests from families. When families were surveyed about their plans for the upcoming year, roughly 50% requested in-person instruction and 50% indicated they’d prefer a remote instruction option. Over the last several weeks, the Pre-K 4 SA enrollment team has been contacting families directly to confirm their instructional preference for the fall semester. A majority of families that indicated an interest in the remote learning option have also indicated a need for a device to support remote learning from home.
On August 3, 2020 Pre-K 4 SA provided a briefing to the Board of Directors on device and internet needs for families that selected the remote learning option. At that time, Pre-K 4 SA had approximately 100 iPads in its inventory, and had placed an order for 100 additional iPads through ITSD on July 28, 2020 at an amount of $42,200. Pre-K 4 SA requested approval to purchase up to an additional 800 devices and broadband internet service to support the 1,000 students Pre-K 4 SA anticipated enrolling remotely, in an amount not to exceed $447,600.
The Board of Directors voted to approve the request as stated, with the understanding that Pre-K 4 SA would come back to the Board at the September meeting with an accountability plan, and that the Board may adjust the approved amount for iPad and Internet Services depending on the plan.
ISSUE:
This item includes a briefing of Pre-K 4 SA's technology plan to support Remote Learning, including distribution of iPads and internet services.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes only.