Presenters link increased device use to declines in test scores and shallow learning

At the forum, Liz Vitale summarized research and test‑score trends she said are linked to expanded device use in schools. She cited a study finding students on devices became distracted after about six minutes on average and said national/state NAEP data show declines in reading and math between 2020 and 2023. "From 2020 to 2023, they took a 9 point [drop] in math," she said, and later added that reading scores fell about four points over a similar interval.

Vitale and Ally described neuroscience reasoning behind the findings: handwriting produces stronger memory cues, sustained deliberate practice is needed for deep learning, and screens degrade transferability and teacher‑student relationships. Vitale cited neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath's testimony to Congress and his book The Digital Delusion as supporting material. Presenters emphasized that these are part of an accumulated evidence base they believe warrants reducing routine classroom screen time.