Transformative Learning in 2023

Technology Tools Evolve

Much has happened in the last few years. Our students, staff and families experienced fully remote learning, hybrid learning and a return to in-person learning. We have taken lessons learned from those experiences into our current school year as our technology tools evolve and in turn, we transform how they are used to best support our students. Additionally, we must keep up with the constantly changing landscape of technology and keep our students, staff, and data safe by upgrading and enhancing infrastructure and safety and security tools.

While work continues in all seven of our key areas, we are excited to share key updates on the progress we have made in four of the areas. Additional information about our process will soon be available on our website.

One-to-One (1:1) Program

The one-to-one program reached districtwide implementation at the start of the 2019-2020 school year. This proved to be timely as we pivoted to remote learning due to the pandemic in April 2020. In the 2021-2022 school year, KSD (Kent School District) began to refresh learning technology for students and devices for staff. Included in the refresh process was a device pilot. This helped to ensure we were choosing the devices that would best support our needs based on the experience and feedback from our students and staff.

Infrastructure Enhancements

Infrastructure enhancements continue as we ensure the district’s ability to continue to provide robust, reliable access to the tools students and staff need for a successful learning environment. Upgrades and enhancements have been implemented or are in progress for phone and voicemail systems, backup systems, network hardware and servers.

Interactive Technology

Interactive Promethean panels and enhanced audio systems have now been installed in all classrooms districtwide. With the help of our Digital Learning Coaches and Promethean consultant, teachers across the district continue to learn the full capabilities of the panels and how they can transform learning for students.

Online Safety and Security

At the start of the 2022-2023 school year, a new web filter was implemented districtwide. Web filtering software is used to reduce risks of internet malware and exploits while ensuring students and staff are protected from inappropriate content. Also, the district is implementing a new internet firewall which will improve security, performance, and capacity of the district’s internet traffic.