All Parma students will get Apple iPads or MacBooks this school year.

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More than 11,000 students from kindergarten to 12th grade will receive some type of Apple device to use in class, school spokeswoman Erin Gadd said.

The goal is to prepare students for state-mandated online testing requirements and ensure graduates are college and career ready, the district said.

 

"This move will be transforming learning in our schools," said Superintendent Jeffrey Graham. "In a time when our students are expecting a more individualized education experience, and our community is expecting to see more 21st century skills of our graduates, this is a great opportunity. We're excited to see what our students and staff are capable of achieving together."

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Students will be provided with the Apple devices this school year, which started Monday. Kindergarteners and first-graders will be given Mini iPads. Students in second through seventh grades will receive iPads with detachable keyboards. Students in grades 8-12 will receive MacBook Air Laptops. All of the devices will come with cases to protect the equipment.

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High school students will be able to take their laptops home to use for homework.

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The funding for the technology program comes from a legal settlement and tax increment financing tax subsidy. Additional support has come in the form of donations from the Parma City School District Education Foundation and community partnerships.