Press Room
ESDs launch one-stop Web site for purchasing education resources and materials at considerable cost-savings
The state's nine educational service districts have successfully launched a new "one-stop" website that provides teachers, parents and students access to thousands of educational resources, materials and products - at a significant cost savings over what schools could obtain individually.
Named the Washington Learning Source (WLS), the project is a collaborative effort, guided by representatives from each of the educational service districts. The site, www.walearningsource.org, is designed to provide a central location for valuable educational resources that enhance learning opportunities and provide greater variety of curriculum to students regardless of their location - urban or rural, or in large or small schools.
"We want to ensure that all districts - students, parents and teachers - have equal access to educational tools, information, products and services," said Anne Allen, Executive Director of WLS. Allen said WLS significantly expands and enhances the statewide purchasing program previously run through the Ed Tech Support Centers at each ESD, giving access to resources that improve teaching and learning through a regionally supported delivery model.
Schools can purchase products like software, online resources and equipment, with the advantage of a simple shopping cart interface. Thanks to statewide-negotiated agreements, the site offers the best available prices. "Educators anywhere can take advantage of the most requested and in-demand commercial products and services on the market," explained Allen. "But beyond that, valuable support services are offered by the ESDs in tandem with the products to assure positive outcomes and continued success for students and teachers," she added.
To be eligible for purchasing, school districts complete an Access Subscription Agreement to establish a membership account, enabling members to take advantage of bids conducted by the WLS. The form is available on the website.