MN test results show school-issued computers, iPads not improving student learning

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Despite millions spent on computers for students in Minnesota schools, the technology isn’t improving student test scores and some are questioning whether they’re more trouble than they’re worth.

The Pioneer Press analyzed test results from numerous Twin Cities school districts that have issued laptops or tablets to students and found there’s little in the way of academic improvement to show for it.

According to the news site:

Last school year, east metro districts spent more than $17 million on student technology.

The biggest bills were in the largest districts. St. Paul spent $9 million, and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan spent about $2.7 million. Smaller districts where students share devices had significantly lower bills, such as the $250,000 student technology budget in the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale district.

Meanwhile, student scores on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, or MCAs, which are given each year in English, mathematics and science, have largely remained stagnant.

The test results also showed that the school issued computers have made little to no impact on closing the achievement gap between white and minority students. In many school districts, officials justify the purchase of computers for all students as a civil rights issue – a way to balance the alleged advantages of more affluent students with their low income peers who do not have devices at home.

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