It looks like Apple is set to make some changes concerning how schools manage the deployment of iPads for the upcoming school year.
The reported changes would make it easier for schools to manage installing apps and restrict purchases made by students on their devices.
According to an email obtained by MacRumors, Apple is implementing changes that would eliminate the need for each device to be tied to an Apple ID in order to install apps, easing the process of setting up devices before distribution to students. From the email:
To simplify large deployments, including one-to-one and shared use, we want to make app distribution even easier. Today, Apple IDs are required in order to deliver apps and books to students. We are working to change this in the fall by allowing schools to assign and distribute apps to a device without an Apple ID. As currently planned, this will greatly reduce the number of steps needed to setup a device. This change should eliminate the need to create generic Apple IDs solely for the purposes of getting content onto iPad. Schools will also have the option to prevent students from making personal purchases without approval.
According to MacRumors, other changes to the program include giving school administrators the ability to create Apple IDs for students in order to access iCloud, as well as reset student passwords.
Source: Macrumors