Kids and Screens: Balancing Tech in School

The district is sharpening its focus on how students use technology in school, aiming to keep tech helpful while preventing misuse and fatigue.

New Initiatives

• Screen‑time Education: Starting July 1, students will learn about screen‑time addiction after the state enacted new rules.
• Focus Group: A group will guide how technology integrates into lessons.

Study Findings

A month‑long study tracked 10,500+ student devices in March:

• Canvas remains the most popular platform for assignments and resources.
• IXL is widely used for feedback.
• Device usage varies by teacher skill, subject, and time of year.

Classroom Observations

• Tech appears in ~ 80% of class time across 101 lessons.
• Most use is whole‑class; smaller share occurs in small groups.

Parental Involvement

• Securly Classroom: Teachers block distracting sites and monitor screens during school hours.
• Securly Home: Parents can pause the internet, block sites after school, and receive weekly reports. Currently ~ 33% of parents are signed up.

District Philosophy

Technology is viewed as a tool to empower learning. Its value lies in intentional, responsible use—neither inherently good nor bad. The board will continue refining practices to help every student thrive.