East Penn teachers show classroom uses for iPads as board reopens lease discussion

At the March 23 meeting of the East Penn School Board, district instructional leaders and elementary teachers demonstrated how iPads are used in K–5 classrooms and urged the board to consider the devices as targeted instructional tools rather than classroom substitutes. The presentation preceded a motion to take an Apple Inc. lease addendum that had been tabled at a prior meeting back onto the agenda for further consideration.

The district’s Office of Teaching and Learning framed iPads as part of a balanced model that pairs hands‑on learning with technology for targeted practice and accessibility. “Personalized instruction is the cornerstone of differentiation,” said Dr. Gutman, who introduced teacher examples showing how devices provide instant data for small‑group instruction and offer accessibility features such as enlarged text and live translation.

Teachers described classroom practices in detail. Kindergarten teacher Marissa Ziggler said most whole‑group phonics instruction is tech‑free and that selective digital tools — for example, letter tiles on Seesaw and Lexia practice — supplement teacher‑led lessons. “Technology does not solve all of our problems,” Ziggler said, adding that digital programs allow students to practice the same skill many more times if needed. Other elementary teachers demonstrated station‑rotation models where an iPad center delivers adaptive practice while teachers lead small groups.

Board members questioned how and when devices travel home. District staff said there is an established window — roughly mid‑October through mid‑March — when elementary iPads were sent home to ensure equitable access for extended instructional days such as weather‑related remote learning; district staff said daily homework on iPads is not typical and that teachers generally do not assign mandatory at‑home tasks on the devices. Administrators also showed how the district uses DRC practice tools so students can rehearse the state test interface before online state assessments.

The presentation prompted a mix of support and caution from board members. Dr. Whitney said she would vote to renew the district’s lease if a renewal is presented but urged continued review of home‑use practices and screen‑time balance. Several members asked for clearer parent‑engagement and communication plans about acceptable home use and digital citizenship training already provided in the district.

Procedurally, the board moved and approved a motion to take the Apple Inc. addendum to the master lease purchase agreement from the table so it can be discussed as part of the business operations agenda. Other contract and procurement items were taken up and approved later in the meeting.

Next steps: the district administration will continue lease negotiations and provide the board with additional details as the Apple addendum and related contract terms are discussed in future agenda items.