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Board adopts resolution favoring pen‑and‑paper instruction and limited screen time
Summary
The Burke County Board unanimously passed a resolution encouraging pen‑and‑paper instruction for note taking, reading and assessments while calling for limited, responsible use of digital devices where pedagogically appropriate.
The Burke County Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution on June 16 encouraging the use of pen‑and‑paper instruction for activities such as note taking, reading comprehension, writing and assessments and urging “responsible and limited” use of digital devices for instruction.
The resolution, introduced by board members and discussed publicly, states that handwriting and paper materials can “minimize distractions” and support fine motor skills, and it asks the district to prioritize investments in printed textbooks, notebooks and writing supplies while still allowing technology where it offers clear instructional advantages.
Board members emphasized the policy is not an anti‑technology stance. One board member said, “We are not anti technology. That's not what we're saying. We're just saying that we've heard concerns from parents and educators, regarding the negative effects of excessive screen time.” The resolution also directs professional development to help teachers maximize the effectiveness of traditional instruction methods and leaves classroom discretion with teachers.
Why it matters: the resolution is framed as a local standard that the board said may be the first of its kind in North Carolina and is intended to address concerns from parents and educators about attention, sleep and mental health tied to excessive screen time. The board approved the resolution by voice vote; the motion was seconded and the measure passed unanimously.
What the resolution does not do: it does not ban classroom technology or change device procurement language; administrators and board members discussed further policy work around device management and brought up special‑education exceptions where devices are written into individual education plans (IEPs).
