Redlands Unified Launches 1:1 Chromebook Pilot at Beattie Middle School

Redlands Unified School District launched a 1:1 Chromebook pilot program at Beattie Middle School, providing each student with a personal device to enhance digital learning both in and out of the classroom. 

Education leaders have described computers as tools “as essential as a pencil” in today’s classrooms, underscoring their role in students’ day-to-day learning. The 1:1 Chromebook program is a major step toward achieving the RUSD 2025 Vision of providing “enhanced learning through innovation.” This pilot will better prepare students for college and career readiness by ensuring they have consistent, reliable access to technology. 

Sixth-grader Ethan Cook shared his enthusiasm for his new computer. 

“I really like having my own Chromebook because it helps me complete my assignments and tests more easily,” Cook said. “It’s great to have access to it all year long.” 

Cook said the device’s portability helps him keep up with schoolwork wherever he goes. 

“I think having a Chromebook is really cool because I can stay on top of my schoolwork no matter where I  am,” he said. “When I went to a baseball tournament in Las Vegas, I was able to do my homework in the car on the way there. It was really helpful.” 

The Beattie pilot is based on the district’s previous experience providing Chromebooks at the high school level, as well as insights gained during remote learning. The goal is to replicate successful processes while refining them to fit the needs of middle school students. Each Chromebook is checked out to the student and taken to and from school daily. 

“The key improvement is equity of access to technology,” said Director of Innovation, Technology, and Accountability Jamie Cortz. “This will provide students equitable access to online materials such as textbooks, research databases, and Google Classroom.”  

Cortz said the commitment to equity extends beyond students, emphasizing how all courses and staff will benefit from the change.

“Prior to the program, Chromebooks were in carts, only in core classes. Non-core electives and classes did not have access to technology. The 1:1 program will allow all teachers in all classes to use technology to enhance instruction.” 

Technology Services Manager Joshua Apmadoc emphasized the planning involved in transitioning from a classroom cart-based model to one in which each student has a device. 

“We learned from 1:1 at RUSD high schools that if you have a stock of devices ready, you can build a repair process on the back end, so students are served immediately and don’t need to wait for their Chromebook to be repaired,” he said. “We replace it immediately and shuffle broken devices into the RUSD Repair Depot, which constantly replenishes the site’s stock.” 

For more information on the district’s technology initiatives, visit the Innovation, Technology and Accountability page on the Redlands Unified School District website. For details about the RUSD 2025 Vision, visit www.redlandsusd.net/our-district/rusd2025. 

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