Bethel Schools embrace technology

In 2014, Bethel voters passed a Technology Levy that promised to put tablets in the hands of every student in the Bethel School District, kindergarten through 12th grade. In 2015, iPads were provided to all high school students; in 2016, to all middle school students; and in 2017, to all elementary students.

Today, Bethel School District’s Digital Learning program is fully implemented and all 20,000 of the district’s students have tablets to use in class.

Doug Boyles, communications director for the Bethel School District, said the program had won over voters.

“In February 2018, our taxpayers voted to renew the Technology Levy and keep the program growing,” he said. “Teachers also have iPads and receive professional development on best practices on how to use the technology in their classrooms. The iPads aren't meant to replace great teaching, they're meant to enhance it.”

The Bethel School District released a brief video about the program to show the community how its tax dollars were being spent. The video is online at the district’s website.

“This video is the latest in our series of videos about the Digital Learning program,” Boyles said. “It was shot and edited by our communications manager, Conor Christofferson. Because this is a voter-approved initiative, we want to let the community see their tax dollars at work, and what better way to do that than video? Through video, community members can step into a classroom and hear from the staff and students involved in the topic at hand, be it our Digital Learning program or a new curriculum. Staff also enjoy seeing the videos, as teachers can see their colleagues in action and even borrow ideas from the teachers we spotlight.”

Bethel School District’s Digital Learning program has received accolades in the past few years, one of which is the Apple Distinguished Program. They are also a Common Sense Media grant recipient, which they use to help teach students about internet safety and use, as well as good digital citizenship.

Boyles emphasized that the district needed to adapt as more students come in.

“Many people don't realize just how quickly Bethel is growing. We grew 450 students just this year, and with all the new home construction in our district, we won't be slowing down any time soon,” he said. “We are also the seventh largest employer in Pierce County.”

To learn more about Bethel’s Digital Learning, visit https://www.bethelsd.org/Page/3710.

Boyles reiterated the importance of students having access to technology in the classroom.

“Technology isn't the future anymore, it is the present. Being able to use technology, and use it responsibly, is an expectation our students will face as they begin looking at colleges and careers after graduation. Bethel's Digital Learning program helps make technology and good digital citizenship an everyday part of our students' lives, so when they graduate, they will be a step ahead.”