IBM’s KidSmart Early Learning Program is designed to enhance learning for students ages 3-7. The program includes the Young Explorer, a computer housed in a brightly-colored, kid-friendly Little Tykes desk equipped with award-winning educational software focusing on math, science, and language. The computer centers seat two students and help children learn how to work together and develop positive communication skills. The software is installed on each PC and is not connected to the school district’s network. Additionally, the unit can be loaded with other software as determined by the teacher. Each Young Explorer center comes with a PC (AMD Athlon 1650B, 2.7GH, 512KB Cache, 1GBm 160GB HDD, 16x Max, DVD-ROM, Gigabit Ethernet, Windows Vista Business), 19” monitor, Little Tykes desk, teacher manual, power strip, keyboard, speakers, mouse, and preloaded educational software from Houghton Mifflin Company. The local representative has offered to provide training for the teachers involved with this program. IBM recommends one (1) unit per classroom due to space requirements (four feet wide/three feet deep), or placing several units in a pod environment. Our request was for ten (10) units to be used in schools yet to be determined. Each unit is valued at $2,599.99.

This program meets the EdVantage strategic objective of Enthusiasm for Learning as young students develop core skills through technology and innovative programming designed to inspire and motivate success.

The Superintendent recommends approval to accept the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program Donation in the amount of $25,999.90.

Motion and approval to accept the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program Donation in the amount of $25,999.90.

There is no financial impact associated with this item requiring the expenditure of District funds. However, each center has an individual value of $2,599.99, and will be assigned an asset number and added to the property records inventory.

Adult, Career and Technical Education/Property Records/Records Management

Melissa Schwab/ Doug Wagner/Nancy M. Thomas

07/26/10

Collaboration: Adult, Career and Technical Education/Property Records/Records Management