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District presents revised educational‑technology plan: no TK screens, AI blocked for TK–8 and tighter device limits
Summary
Director Binder presented Revision 2 of the Educational Technology Plan (2026–29), which explicitly defines "screen time," removes 1:1 devices at TK–K in favor of shared carts, limits K–2 session lengths (teachers said sessions are seldom longer than 15 minutes), prohibits device use as rewards, blocks generative AI for students TK–8 on district devices and network, and requires strict teacher disclosures and redesigned lessons for any high‑school AI use. Staff will return with the plan for approval on June 18.
Director Binder framed Revision 2 of the district’s Educational Technology Plan as a response to community feedback and internal review. Key changes he presented: an explicit definition of "screen time" tied to device use; a reduced maximum session length at grades K–2 (teacher feedback indicated sessions are rarely longer than 15 minutes); removal of 1:1 device deployment at TK–K in favor of shared mobile carts; a prohibition on using devices as behavioral rewards; and the creation of an Instructional Software Evaluation Tool (ISET) to vet digital programs.
Binder said the district will block generative AI (large language models such as ChatGPT and similar tools) across the district network on student devices and restrict student AI use for all students TK–8. Teacher use of AI would be tightly controlled: teachers must verify accuracy, fully disclose use to students and families, and redesign assignments when AI is allowed. Binder said, “AI is blocked within our network on student devices... It is not accessible. Those tools will only be granted access under strict, very narrow circumstances.”
The plan also proposes pulling devices out of after‑school programs (staff found limited need) and scaling back iPad/Chromebook deployment at the primary level to a mobile cart model; Chromebooks would remain standard for grades 2–12 for specified instructional needs. Binder noted the ISET has already been used to remove six passive or overly gamified programs this year.
Trustees and staff discussed implementation details: training for teachers on AI awareness and on building classroom allow lists; how to reconcile Google Classroom vs. the district SIS gradebook; testing administration pauses and practical ergonomics; and cybersecurity controls (the district uses allow‑list/deny‑list capabilities, Google admin controls and county Palo Alto firewalls). Trustee Hazen asked how site‑level adherence will be monitored; staff emphasized the PLC (professional learning community) cycle and site leadership review as the accountability vehicle.
Director Binder said staff will bring the revised plan back on June 18 for board approval and outlined a launch that includes leadership retreat work, site admin review, and a PD calendar to support teacher planning and lesson redesign.
