Board adopts K–5 guidance limiting instructional use of digital devices

The board adopted revised policy 4.215 on the instructional use of digital devices for pre-K through 5th grade. The policy follows state law and a TSBA model; it directs that devices be used in these lower grades only when there is a clear educational benefit and requires district guidance and parent notification. As the director described it, the policy "requires the director of schools to provide guidance to staff on the appropriate use of technology."

Board members who had visited schools said teachers are not relying on devices all day. One board member said, "I will say I visited several schools, talked to several teachers concerning the use of Chromebooks, and every 1 of them are doing a wonderful job. I don't think they're relying on it solely." The board approved the policy on a 1st-and-only reading by voice vote and asked staff to review device-home rules and report any need for more explicit limitations.