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1. Reconsider the 1:1 Device Model by Grade Level

We ask the district to adopt a developmentally appropriate approach to technology use, including no 1:1 devices for the youngest students, and reduced device dependence in elementary and middle school. Young children learn best through hands-on, relational, and sensory-rich experiences—not screens.

2. Ensure Homework Is Paper-and-Pencil Only for TK–8

To preserve healthy boundaries between school and home and to reduce unnecessary screen exposure, we request that all homework for TK–8 students be paper-and-pencil only, so that school-issued devices remain at school.

3 / Prohibit Recreational Screen Use During the School Day

We request a clear prohibition on Chromebook or screen use before school, during lunch, during recess, or during unstructured downtime, as well as blocks on YouTube and video games like Minecraft. Unstructured time at school is critical for socialization, movement, imagination, and emotional regulation. Also, sites like YouTube and Minecraft pose well-documented risks related to distraction, inappropriate content, and addictive design. 

Require Explicit Opt-In for Any Generative AI Tools

Families should not be defaulted into emerging technologies with unknown developmental and ethical implications. We request that any generative AI tools require explicit parental opt-in, with clear disclosure of purpose, data use, and limitations.

Guarantee a Meaningful Opt-Out from EdTech

Given the documented risks, families should have the option to opt out of educational technology without penalty to their child. We request a clear, written pathway for opting out.

Obtain Parental Consent for Each Data-Collecting App or Website

In alignment with updated FTC guidance under COPPA, we request parental consent for each individual app or website that collects student data. Even Google considers explicit parental consent a "best practice".

Provide Weekly Parent Reports of Student Online Activity

We request weekly, parent-facing reports that include: time spent on school-issued devices as well as what apps and websites were accessed

Increase Community Input and Transparency

We request that the district: conduct regular surveys on EdTech and screen use, host Town Hall–style meetings on technology decisions or allow parent attendance and participation in Technology Committee meetings. Families deserve a voice in decisions that directly affect their children.

Support Low-Tech Alternatives for Teachers and Students

We request that the district provide planning time, professional support, and small resource grants to help teachers offer low-tech alternatives during free time, inclement weather, or for students whose families opt out of digital tools. Copy budgets should never get in the way of providing paper-based materials for students.

Educate Families About Screen Health Risks

We ask the district to provide education for families on the health and developmental risks of excessive screen use and how to recognize and respond to issues such as problematic or addictive screen behaviors. The district should encourage programs like WaitUntil8th and the Screenagers Screen-Free Sleep Pledge to help with community efforts. Schools should be partners with families in protecting children’s well-being.

Near Term Ideas

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  1. We request weekly, parent-facing reports that include: time spent on school-issued devices as well as what apps and websites were accessed

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  2. We ask the district to provide education for families on the health and developmental risks of excessive screen use and how to recognize and respond to issues such as problematic or addictive screen behaviors. The district should encourage programs like WaitUntil8th and the Screenagers Screen-Free Sleep Pledge to help with community efforts. Schools should be partners with families in protecting children’s well-being.

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Opt Out of AI Tools
 

A template to send to your site principal to opt your student out of AI tools. Tools will be blocked on their school-issued device.

Opt Out Toolkit
 

A suite of information from The Screentime Consultant to assist you in opting your child out of school-issued devices.

Withdraw Google Additional Service Consent

A template to send to your site principal to withdraw your consent to Google Additional Services, including YouTube. Tools will be blocked on your student's device

Lightspeed Parent Portal
 

Allows parents to block internet access and provides reports of use history while the device is at home.

Long Terms Goals

  • Establish a District Technology Policy

    • Clearly articulate the purpose including use guidelines and best practices. Policy intended to set expectations and increase transparency into how devices and EdTech programs will be used in the classroom, including establishing guidelines for time spent by grade-level. Identify areas of use where technology can uniquely provide value that cannot be offered in another way - transformational uses vs. simply digitizing existing modalities.

  • Audit all student-facing edtech products

    • Ensure they’re safe, effective & legal, and place kids’ needs over corporate profits

  • Re-evaluate i-Ready before contract expiration

  • Reconsider 1:1 model by grade level. Consider adopting a shared device model K-8. 

  • Formalize digital literacy & skill building curriculum—teach skills before granting access

  • Pilot low-tech Elementary classrooms with quantitative and qualitative measurements on academic performance and behavioral benchmarks.

  • Reinvest in teacher-led, analog alternatives, textbooks and photocopy budgets

  • Draft a Tech Bill of Rights for Students

  • Establish a District Technology Policy with a clearly articulated purpose including use guidelines and best practices. Policy intended to set expectations and increase transparency into how devices and EdTech programs will be used in the classroom, including establishing guidelines for time spent by grade-level. Identify areas of use where technology can uniquely provide value that cannot be offered in another way - transformational uses vs. simply digitizing existing modalities.

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  • Block YouTube at the Elementary and Middle school level. Teacher-selected videos are still accessible within Google Classroom.

  • Grant access to the Parent Portal feature of the existing Lightspeed content filtering program, which would allow for better monitoring during the school day and more control at home.

  • Provide hardcopy textbooks and paper-based assignment options for students who request them.

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