Districts 'Go Open' for instructional resources - The Dispatch

"The Department of Education has labeled CMSD an ambassador district in open educational resources (OER), meaning the district has become a model for how students and teachers can use online resources in the classroom. 

Every high school student in CMSD, and every two middle and elementary students in the district, have devices to get online in the classrooms, Hickman said. The district uses online educational platforms from OER company Fishtree. Each student using Fishtree has an online profile that tracks their knowledge and interests and tailors information to the students themselves -- making it easier for students to stay engaged and go at their own paces. It's also saved CMSD about $800,000 in textbooks over seven years, Hickman said. 

But cost-saving and textbook replacement shouldn't be the primary benefit of OER, said Fishtree CEO Terry Nealon, who attended the summit. "