In the spirit of continuous improvement, making and applying policies and practices that are researched and tested, and with the well-being of students at the core of all decisions, I would like to take a minute to share the current D102 policy, perspective, and actions related to the use of personal and educational technology. I have truly appreciated the partnership of our Hold the Phone parent group this year, and I believe that we have created several opportunities for the D102 community to engage with national researchers and speakers. These opportunities have also created a safe space for community members to ask questions and share concerns about what they are seeing in their own homes and with their children. Any time the District and families can learn and share and grow together, I see that as a tremendous opportunity. Here is where those conversations are now.
The District has a clear Board of Education-approved policy about the use of digital technology in school spaces. Policy 7:190 - Student Behavior (Section 3 Under Prohibited Conduct) states:
“During the school day, personal electronic devices should be turned off or silenced and out of sight, including those that are able to connect wirelessly to other devices (e.g., Bluetooth, Airplay), unless a supervising staff member directs otherwise. Students may use personal electronic devices before or after school in a manner that is consistent with this policy and does not disrupt the educational process. District-issued devices may be used during the school day in a manner that is consistent with the policy and does not disrupt the educational process.”
Our schools put this policy into practice by directing students to put any device “away for the day” in a locker or bag. This policy is designed to create a distraction-free educational environment, and as such, is already in line with the proposed State legislation that would require schools to create the kind of policy we already have. But this necessary first step does not mean that we should stop thinking about how to make the safest and best educational environment for our students. Here are some of the shifts we are discussing right now;
Taking advantage of our structural improvements and updated furniture, we plan to equip all 1st - 5th-grade classrooms with Chromebook charging stations. This means that we will not be asking students to transport themselves between home and school except in special circumstances. This shift will begin next school year. Kindergarten classrooms will continue to have a limited number of iPads. The vast majority of Kindergarten classroom time does not involve screens, but students do have access to the iPads during centers/station times when small groups of students rotate through multiple practice, creative and exploratory activities - a few of which they access on an iPad.
In May, we plan to pilot the use of a locking digital device storage bag as a way to ensure that student access to devices is restricted throughout the day. This grade-level pilot will teach us a lot about the advantages and challenges of a full implementation. We have had enough incidents of student misuse of technology during the school day this year that we need to think more intently about a more concrete solution. More specific information to come.
We continue to review all of our digital-based systems and learning tools for ways we can either improve their use or eliminate them. There have been some recent national articles and studies promoting the complete elimination of technology use during the school day. At this time, D102 does not have plans to eliminate Chromebook use, especially for our students in grades 6-8. It would be irresponsible to eliminate student exposure to digital workspaces when that will be the expectation not only in High School, but for all accountability, growth and achievement assessments they are required to take now and in the future (IAR, SAT, ISA, AP/Collegeboard). As these requirements change, we can reassess.
And finally, we are keeping a close eye on how advancements in AI are affecting students. Even though the State has not yet provided schools with guidance on AI use, we have taken the first step by drafting an AI guidance document for our staff and students. This guidance prioritizes classroom discussion about when, why, and how to appropriately use AI for educational purposes. We all have a lot to learn, as this landscape seems to change from month to month.
D102 remains committed to the safety of our students and providing them with the most optimal learning spaces. Maintaining a focus on best practices and the latest research about digital learning is a priority. We invite your feedback and support as we navigate this journey together.