Building on the momentum & success of the cellphone bans that have already been enacted across the country, it’s time for schools to embrace intentional, kid-centered, evidence-based policies around classroom tech.

In addition to the Schools Beyond Screens national reform recommendations, our policy proposals for PUSD include:

Eliminate all device use for TK - 2

Eliminate 1:1 device use for 3 - 5, limited device use with computer cart or lab model as is deemed curriculum appropriate

Opt-in (not opt-out) for taking devices home through 8th grade

"Whitelist" system of approved sites for elementary student devices

Discontinue use of web-based iReady instructional tools

Specific, enforceable, district-wide instructional screen time limits 

Keyboarding/computer skills instruction to support state testing

Media literacy/digital health seminars for students and educators

Revive the PUSD Technology Advisory Committee, with all schools represented, meeting quarterly to stay up-to-date with the changing technology landscape

Quarterly screen time reporting (instructional and non-instructional)

Establish a practice of piloting tech solutions before full-scale, long term commitment

Create real, measurable systems that will ensure all schools have the support they need to implement this cultural and policy change