Jersey Shore Area SD examines iPad use in elementary classrooms as state testing moves online

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Ulmer told the Jersey Shore Area School District board on June 23 that elementary teachers and principals reported typical daily student iPad use ranges from about 15–30 minutes in kindergarten to roughly 60–90 minutes in upper elementary grades, and that most classroom software is used for individualized interventions.

Dr. Ulmer said the district compiled a three-column report showing average daily iPad time by grade, the common apps used (for example: i-Ready, MobyMax, K12/Reading Eggs and Renaissance Learning benchmarks) and a short description of what students do in each app. He told the board those programs are “largely interventions” and are intended to address specific student skill gaps rather than replace whole-class instruction.

The presentation prompted several board members to press for more detail. Board member (and parent) Mrs. Sherry Peters asked how the reported device time fits into a typical elementary day; Dr. Ulmer estimated about three hours of instructional time remain after subtracting lunch, specials and passing, and cautioned that device time should be balanced with handwriting and other lessons. Board member Mary Thomas said she was “concerned” by 60–90 minutes per day in upper grades and weighed the district’s spending on technology against hiring additional teachers.

Board members and public speakers discussed how teachers use programs. Dr. Ulmer said many apps begin with an assessment that generates a personalized learning path; teachers can then either assign interventions on the iPad or deliver the same intervention in a small group without the device. He described “rotational stations” where teachers work with small groups while other students practice skills independently, sometimes on devices and sometimes on printed materials.

Dr. Ulmer also told the board that beginning in fall 2025, Pennsylvania will require Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone exams to be delivered virtually; the district piloted some virtual test windows in spring 2025. He said the state mandate starts in fall 2025 but that the district has not yet received full implementation details or additional state funding for the requirement.

Board members asked for follow‑up materials and a public discussion. Dr. Ulmer offered to produce a daily schedule example showing when devices are used and to pull exact program costs from the technology budget for review. Several board members asked that teachers be included in the follow-up conversation so the board can evaluate instructional trade-offs and potential cost savings from device purchases versus staff.

The board did not take formal action on technology at the meeting; members directed staff to provide the schedule and cost breakdown for future discussion.