Board hears plan to reduce screen time; staff to emphasize handwriting and teacher‑led instruction

District instruction staff presented an informational update on a resolution to promote balanced instruction and reduce unnecessary screen time while complying with state digital‑learning standards.

The assistant superintendent explained the rationale: research showing handwriting and paper reading can improve comprehension and retention, coupled with state requirements that some assessments and digital learning integration remain on devices. Staff shared survey snapshots of Chromebook use by grade band (most elementary classrooms reported 0–15 minutes per day on Chromebooks; secondary use was higher but usually task‑driven). "Handwriting activates a broader network of brain regions involved in motor, sensory, and cognitive processing," staff summarized when describing the research base.

Board members asked whether cursive instruction will be increased and whether Chromebooks will still be used for required TEI (technology‑enhanced) items on state assessments. Staff said required digital tasks remain and that core textbooks will continue to be provided in hard copy; the goal is to increase paper‑based writing assignments and provide teacher training to shift classroom practice. Staff also described review and quarterly monitoring procedures for paid apps (Reflex, Lexia, Imagine Learning) and said usage and outcome data are reviewed regularly.

Members proposed follow‑up work sessions with teachers and the instruction committee to look at classroom examples and the impacts of proposed changes. Instruction staff said they will bring more detailed metrics and proposals to future committee meetings.