Reagan Elementary Sees Improvements After Partnership Formed with ACU
By: Marlisa Goldsmith
Updated: October 27, 2011
"We feel like ACU has provided us with opportunities that we never would have had otherwise," says Principal Ketta Garduno of Reagan Elementary.
ACU wanted their students to have great experiences before student teaching and Reagan Elementary was looking for a way to effectively increase student achievement.
"The relationship at Reagan developed from a mutual need," explains Professor Mitzi Adams of ACU's Teacher Education Department.
Through a special grant ACU was able to donate 34 iPads to Reagan Elementary for students and teachers in grades K-5.
Over the summer a team from Reagan went to training sessions to learn how to incorporate the devices into their teaching routine.
"What could they do with the iPad? How could they use this in the classroom?" asks Adams.
Since the training several teachers have been able to provide hands-on activities for their students to learn in a creative way.
Garduno explains, "We can provide so many different applications and uses of them that it doesn't get old."
Wendy Morgan's second grade class use the iPads frequently.
Students can barely contain themselves when they find out the day's lesson involves the savvy device.
"Anytime that you get the students excited about learning it's a win-win situation," says Garduno.
The integration of the devices provide a strong foundation for students which Garduno says is critical for student achievement.
"We have been working very diligently to make sure that our kids have access to everything we can possible provide them to help then be successful," says Garduno.







