A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Washington

Seattle Schools

The Seattle Schools district is an urban district serving more than 47,000 students in 100 schools. The percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch is approximately 41 percent.

Seattle Schools currently has two authorizations of QZABs totaling $7.8 million. The district is in the process of applying for another authorization. In order to improve student ability and to create digital opportunity for all, Seattle is upgrading technology within the district. Improvements include building renovations, wiring installations, equipment purchases, and teacher training. QZAB funds are specifically being used to purchase hardware and software as well as to train teachers in the use of technology. Seattle hopes to have at least one computer in every classroom. Prior to the launch of the technology initiative, there were 10 to 15 students per computer. The target for the initiative is to reduce this ratio to two or three student for every computer. Seattle?s long-term intention is to use computers and networks for instructional use through a distance learning program.

The schools of the district have partnerships with many private entities. The Alliance for Education serves as the primary partner by eliciting contributions from other private entities and also providing the district with teacher technology training. Other partners include Microsoft, the local chapter of the Rotary Club, alumni associations of district high schools, and the Gates Foundation. Contributions by these partners include equipment but largely take the form of cash.

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