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Monday, March 3, 2014


Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah.  February 26, 2014.  Superintendent Dale Lamborn reported that a company, Waterford Institute, had obtained federal funds for educational research.   They have been funding their programs in high density areas, but would like to work in some rural areas.  They would like to introduce technology to preschool age children.  The program is called the Upstart Program. 

Their goal would be to get 70 percent of preschool children working on electronic devices.  They have the funds to hire a liaison to coordinate among Waterford Company, the preschool age students, parents, and the school district in which they live.  They would provide the device and the needed internet connection.   They would then follow these children for the next three to five years gathering data about the progress these students make in school up to the third grade. 

The program is not meant to replace preschool.  It is to supplement any of the already existing programs that are available to preschool children.  They need commitments from parents to make sure that these students spend at least 15 minutes each week on the device that they are given.  It is a year around program—not just during the school year.   

The District doesn’t have responsibility for the program, but feel it would be a good thing to allow these younger individuals an opportunity to become more familiar with technology.  It was recommended that the school district go along with this program.  A motion was made and passed to allow this program to move forward.   

The position for the liaison needs to be filled within the next week or two so that they can get the needed training and preparation to get the program underway.  The Board encouraged Lamborn to advertise the position and move forward with this program.

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