MCPS will audit student screen time and draft K–5 guidance, officials say

Kimberly Fields told the Council Education and Culture Committee that the Board of Education on July 16 approved a resolution for a comprehensive review of student screen time. The district will audit device and content use at K–8 and produce guidance and a communication plan for families.

Fields said the Division of Teaching and Learning and Division of School Leadership will take part in the audit and that the process will include labor unions and school‑based staff to understand how Chromebooks and other devices are used in instruction. "When we evaluate what that screen time looks like, is that person in a digital arts class? Should that be held against them?" she said, explaining the audit aims to distinguish instructional use from management or non‑instructional use.

Councilmembers asked for parents to receive a breakout or chart showing when device time is instructional, how screen time differs across elementary, middle and high school, and how MCPS will account for students who rely on devices for special education or English‑learner supports. Officials said producing that diagnostic information is a goal of the audit and that any guidance will seek balance and equity across student needs.