MCPS tech director outlines plan to curb screen time, run focus groups and develop device policy

Montgomery County Public Schools’ director of technology presented a technology‑policy update focused on limiting unnecessary screen time, aligning device use to instructional goals and collecting stakeholder input through surveys and focus groups.

Robert Ratcliffe told the board the elementary curriculum team has already reduced device exposure in K‑1 classrooms and that the division received “a 84 responses from parents and guardians” in an initial survey informing the plan. He said the district will convene focus groups with teachers, students and parents and work with the instructional department to ensure device practices match learning objectives.

Ratcliffe outlined six central questions the plan must answer: the purpose of learning supported by devices; access and balance (class set vs. 1:1 vs. school‑only); curriculum and assessments; student supports and accessibility for IEP/504 students; feedback mechanisms; and feasibility and accountability including budget impacts such as charging stations. He said a committee will meet in October and the administration hopes to present a plan at the end of that month.

Board members asked whether reductions would be uniform or course‑by‑course; Ratcliffe said teachers and the focus groups will inform those decisions. The superintendent added this work is part of a broader statewide conversation about screen time and AI and praised the department’s research and outreach. No action was required; the update was provided for information.