Success Snapshot: Public-Private Partnership Creates Technology Groundswell

The state of Oregon embarked upon an ambitious project in the fall of 2006 - introducing 1:1 computing to four schools and six sixth-grade classrooms across the state; a project made possible through the innovative public-private partnership between the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), the Oregon Association of Education Service Districts (OAESD), and Intel Corporation.

Each partner made important contributions and each ESD was asked to contribute funds and personnel support. As one of the initial participants, tiny Powell Butte Elementary in Central Oregon achieved great success by quickly making a huge change and demonstrating sustainable reform that has spread from a single grade level at one school across the entire district.

Powell Butte Elementary wasn't waiting around for opportunity, but instead, this little school had already launched its own truly grassroots campaign to get technology into the school. In preparation for the 2005-6 school year, Powell Butte Elementary issued a Technology Challenge, asking local businesses such as Les Schwab, and in three months they had all 30 of the computers they sought.

The next year, the school was selected for the Intel 1:1 program and the awareness of the opportunity being presented to the local students, plus the desire to make the technological leap, inspired the community even further. Eventually, the 138-student school secured a small grant, received money from a parent club, and transferred some budget dollars in order to set up each K-6 teacher, including its Special Education teacher, with a tablet, a charging cart, a document camera, and an InFocus projector. In addition to the funding provided by the priginal Intel 1:1 grant, Powell Butte has invested $106,000 in new technology, and the Crook County School District has committed an incredible $930,500 to infuse all of its schools with new technology.