My name is Ashlee Rice, but my students call me Ms. Ashlee. For the last 14 years, I've had the privilege of working in the Structured Routine Center in the Beaverton School District.

The goal of this project is to purchase two iPads (with two cases and screen protectors) for the classroom. With this project, our students would be able to continue their fluency with access to instruction and assessment using a variety of methods. With the 50% match from Intel, we only need $465!  I am so proud of them for developing such strong independence in these, the most challenging of times, I want to make sure to continue to reinforce that independence, but with only one tablet in the classroom, that would be quite challenging.

The students in my program are kindergarten through fifth grade students that are impacted by autism spectrum disorder and other communication-related disorders. Students with autism experience impairments with social skills, communication, stereotypical/repetitive behaviors and unusual responses to sensory input. Prior to the pandemic, we were able to engage in hands on learning with shared materials and devices. Right now, our priority is safety, and we want to follow safety guidelines to the letter! One of the ways that I hope to facilitate that is to have more than one device that students can work on to complete online assignments.

My students come from across the school district from a variety of socioeconomic situations and backgrounds to come to this class, where they receive specially designed instruction in all content areas. Their day is very structured and routinized in order for them to learn school routines as well as to feel comfortable in an environment that is predictable. They receive instruction in academics, social skills, life skills and communication, as well as receive training on how to self-regulate their responses to sensory input.

During comprehensive distance learning, my kids have worked so hard to be flexible in this very challenging setting, and have learned new ways to engage and interact with their peers and their academic content. They have gotten so proficient at participating in online assessments and as we transition to hybrid learning, I want to make sure they can continue to engage independently in the curricular materials and assessments.

With your support of this project, you could help encourage independence in some of the most hard-working, inspiring and deserving students around! We greatly appreciate your consideration and support!