Superintendent’s Message

Anderson Two Parents and Students:

The buzz in the community revolves around “Chromebooks.” By now, each secondary student has received one of these devices. Students seemed to be very appreciative of their very own instrument. As I have followed students around I have posed two questions, “Are you using the Chromebook for your school work?” and, “Are you using the Chromebook in every class?” The answer to both questions has been a resounding YES! That is what we all want to hear! The School Board and the District made a large investment of almost $700,000 through the Local Option Sales Tax funds and through Capital Improvement funds. However, we know the financial investment is not enough. Our teachers need to be confident in their training to provide meaningful lessons for our students and our students must be allowed to engage in the instruction with these tools. We are seeing this happen! Several teachers are using the Chromebooks to create tutorials for problems. I think some of us can remember being frustrated with our own math homework simply because we had no one to explain the problems to us. Now, these tutorials make those word problems “explainable”. A couple of students have commented that they can now take their teacher home with them and can even “pause” them.
What’s next? Currently, our 3rd-5th graders have about 4-5 Chromebooks per classroom. They are being for small group activities. For the 2017-2018 school year, we will be purchasing the additional amount needed to allow each student in those grades to own a Chromebook. The following year, we will even expand to our primary grades and will begin exploring what device might be best used at their level.
Why Chromebooks? First of all, they are inexpensive compared to Microsoft. They also have limited functionality so they boot up in less than 10 seconds. Finally, Chromebooks are kept up to date as Google pushes out auto updates without having to touch each device. For more comparison click Google to read how Google is giving Microsoft a run for its money in public education.
The Chromebook is not the cure-all for academic achievement. It is merely a tool, much like the textbook. However, we understand in this technology driven world, that students become more engaged and creative when they can incorporate new methods of learning in their studies. We are seeing their successes and know you will as well.

Dr. Richard G. Rosenberger
Superintendent of Schools

Mission & Vision