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Board approves expansion of Apple iPads for early learners in special education
Summary
Cumberland County Schools approved expanding an Apple iPad pilot for early learners in exceptional children classrooms, requesting 350 devices and management/protection services to remain on-site for classroom use.
Cumberland County Schools on May 6 approved expanding an Apple iPad program for early learners in the district—s exceptional children (EC) classrooms, authorizing purchase, management and a three-year protection plan to support instructional access and assessments.
District EC leadership described a pilot that began in February 2024 in targeted Performance Accountability Support and Empowerment (PACE) schools; staff said iPads enabled students who previously could not access instruction to demonstrate skills and complete assessments. Officials requested 350 iPads (310 student devices and 40 teacher iPads), associated device management and a protection plan that covers up to three repair incidents per device. Staff said the devices would remain in the classroom (not sent home) and that Apple-provided coaching and locally designated model teachers would support implementation. The quoted education price in committee discussion was approximately $320 per device with the district—s proposed three-year protection plan.
The committee approved the expansion and directed staff to deliver devices to schools and continue building teacher capacity through model teachers and Apple coaching; staff said the devices also assist occupational therapy, speech and other related services and can support some standardized testing platforms.
