Their test scores may be low, but their spirits are high! I have no doubt in my mind that with the right resources, these students can be amazing!

My students have more resilience and persistence than any I have ever encountered. These kids are from low-income families, they have watched their teacher after teacher walk out on them due to the challenges of working in a Title I school. And yet, they still work hard, they trust and love their teachers, and they give their all, every single day!

Ebooks are not only the cheapest and easiest way to read in the 21st century, they also appeal to the technology-obsessed generation. My students are unmotivated to read, as they face a shortage of reading material to choose from, and a lack of encouragement from their community.

At a Title I school, books are few and far between, and our school is no exception.

My students are incredibly bright, creative, and full of potential, but their test scores don't show it. With only 24% of my students passing the last reading benchmark, it is clear that something needs to change.

I have many 8th grade students reading on an elementary level, with some even below a kindergarten level. These students will not choose a book at their reading level, due to their fear of it damaging their social standing. To my students, defiance is far better than appearing unintelligent. With a tablet, students would be able to choose books at their reading level and grow at their own pace, without fear of being judged or ridiculed by their peers. With an added technology component, my students would be motivated to read much more than they are by physical books. My students are fascinated by technology and find joy in doing anything where they get to use it. With access to thousands of ebooks at their fingertips, my students' will be able to rediscover their love for reading and grow into the amazing young adults I know they can be.

There is no doubt in my mind that with the right resources, these students can be truly exceptional.