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Plainfield 202 proposes 'screen value' approach and grade‑band guardrails for technology use
Summary
District tech staff proposed shifting from counting 'screen minutes' to prioritizing 'screen value' (active, teacher‑led tasks). A spring sample of 22,189 students showed K average ~25 minutes/day and significant increases in middle school; district recommended PD, digital‑citizenship lessons and limited minute guidelines.
At a June 17 Curriculum & Technology Committee meeting, Plainfield School District 202 staff proposed a district strategy that emphasizes the educational value of device use over raw screen minutes.
Laura Scherbino, district director of instructional technology, said the district tracked a three‑week spring sample covering 22,189 students (April 12–May 4) and found wide variation by grade: kindergarten averages were about 25 minutes per day but some fourth‑grade classrooms averaged 82 minutes; middle school levels showed the largest increase in daily device minutes. Scherbino cautioned the sample covers in‑school minutes only and excludes students’ at‑home device use.
"We're moving from 'screen time' to 'screen value' — active digital learning versus passive use," Scherbino said. She defined passive activities as watching videos or clicking through drill apps, and active work as coding, extended writing and collaborative projects. For 2026–27 she recommended teacher‑led device use in K–2, intentional transitions in grades 6–8 with a 120‑minute maximum recommendation for middle school (course‑dependent), and course/task‑dependent guidance in grades 9–12.
Scherbino said the district will increase professional development, audit software to reduce redundant passive apps, expand digital‑citizenship curriculum (especially at high school), and strengthen parent communications. She stressed accessibility: assistive technology is a communication tool for students with IEPs and must remain available.
Board members asked about family support, cell‑phone prevalence and homework that requires screens; Scherbino said parent resources will be distributed through newsletters and EdPartners and noted the district will refine week‑by‑week tracking in the coming year to identify peaks tied to testing or curriculum cycles.
The committee did not vote on policy changes but asked staff to return with detailed grade‑band recommendations and implementation plans for next school year.
