DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said that the “vast majority” of students will be provided with free digital devices on the first day of school.
According to Ferebee, the school system has enough supply to meet the demand for devices and it will continue distributing them to students through the first week of school.
DCPS has been conducting a voluntary survey through its website to evaluate device needs for all incoming students. So far around 32,000 families responded to the survey, which is why the Chancellor avoids saying “all students.”
Of those surveyed, 60 percent said they need a digital device for student online learning, while 20 percent stated they need reliable internet access.
Roosevelt High School in Northwest started device distribution on Tuesday. “Students here today are not only getting a device, they can get a hotspot as well, which will allow them to connect to high speed internet,” said Ferebee, speaking at the event.
DCPS has spent $17 million on the initiative and handed out 10,000 devices in the spring. There are currently 45,000 laptops and tablets waiting to be distributed.
The school year in the District is scheduled to start on Monday, August 31. Students will virtually attend classes from their home.
DC Public Schools to Start Academic Year With All-Online Classes