2. The SLA Difference
Founded in 2006 as a collaborative
partnership between the School District of
Philadelphia and The Franklin Institute, SLA is a
free public institution for students
“inquiry-driven, project-based high school
focused on 21st century learning”
Individualized Learning Plan includes
internships or college classes for upper
classmen
1:1 laptop program
3. Benefits
The1:1 laptop program
provides all students
with computer access
because education
should extend beyond
the walls of the school
and occurs every day
PENCIL AND PAPER?!
TALK ABOUT OLD SCHOOL!
4. Benefits Continued
The Franklin Institute becomes an extension of the
school. With its dedication to science discovery
and research, it becomes an engaging resource
that includes internships, special events and
capstone projects.
Math and Spanish classes are not grade specific
and are based upon student ability
Students are introduced to mentors working in the
city of Philadelphia exposing them to real world
opportunities
Longer class periods allows for more time in
laboratories to conduct experiments
Flexible schedules for upperclassmen allow them
the opportunity to participate in internships or
college courses
5. Pitfalls
The arts are available only as electives
Depend heavily on the support of local
businesses to participate in the Individualized
Learning Program
Textbooks are rarely used making students
dependent on their laptops
Potential students must apply and not all are
accepted
As a public institution, students are still required
to participate in state testing
Most class evaluations are based on projects
rather than tests leaving students less prepared
for high stress and time sensitive testing situations
6. Growth of computers in the
classroom
1998-1999 2008-2010
Ratio of students to 4:1 1:1 grades 9-11
computers 3:1 grade 12
Computer labs 10 2
% Teachers with 85 100
computers at home
% Students with 90 100
computers at home
Types of computer
use by teachers:
--Word processing 76 NA
--Make lesson plans NA 97
--Record grades 59 97
--Take attendance NA 100
--Internet searches 68 94
--Email 85 100
--Parent contact NA 100
--Test students NA 38
Table 1 Las Montanas, 1999-2010
SOURCES: Teacher surveys, October 1998, October 2009; student surveys October 1998, October 2010
7. Diffusion
In 2006 the Pennsylvania Department of
Education introduced the Classrooms for the
Future initiative
Of the 501 PA public school districts, 447
received Classrooms for the Future grants by
the end of 2008
Initial reports from participating schools is
enthusiasm and positive results
The goal of program is receive 100%
participation from all districts
8. 1:1 Domestic Progress
Alberta’s Emerge Laptop Immersion Program
Segwick High School’s One to One Laptop Computer
Initiative
School District No. 60 Wireless Laptop Project
One-to-One Computing programs in Virginia
One-to-One Computing programs in Michigan
One-to-One Computing programs in Maine
Fullerton’s School District Laptop Program
One-to-One Computing in US Public Schools
1:1 International Progress
American School of Bombay, Bombay, India
St. Cuthbert's College, Auckland, New Zealand
Nashwaaksis Middle School, New Brunswick, Canada
Eastern Townships School Board, Quebec, Canada
Munich International School, Starnberg, Germany
