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Committee plans expert panel on screen time; members raise concern about DCPS I‑Ready contract
Summary
The committee deferred immediate action and asked staff to convene experts on screen time and virtual learning; members noted equity issues in wards with limited internet and discussed an existing disapproval resolution targeting a District of Columbia Public Schools contract for the I‑Ready program.
The committee opened discussion on technology and screen time, with members asking the board to host a broad panel in August or September to review virtual learning practices, screen-time research and equity implications.
Representative Thompson said the discussion should bring a range of experts and be framed around "what, when and how much" technology is appropriate for different age groups, rather than a simple yes-or-no approach. "I just would like for us to bring in some other experts to really talk about this," she said, emphasizing concerns for students in wards with limited home internet access.
Members discussed parents’ demands and possible next steps — including letters or resolutions — but stressed that the specific issue before the Council at this stage involves a contract between the District and the vendor I‑Ready. "Before the council is a DCPS contract with I Ready. It's not ... a citywide ban," a member said, and the transcript indicates a disapproval resolution has been filed regarding that DCPS contract.
Committee members recommended inviting digital-equity experts (Grace Hugh was singled out by name) to any panel and agreed to continue the discussion at a future working session to refine scope and next steps.
Next steps: staff will plan an expert panel for late summer or early fall and coordinate with digital-equity stakeholders before determining whether the committee advances formal council actions on the DCPS I‑Ready contract.
