Control school screen time, W-JCC parents ask
A petition signed by parents of W-JCC school students seeks changes in technology use, including a ban on students before third grade and parental opt-out.
It’s June 22. Today we’ll tell you about a group of concerned parents who want W-JCC schools to audit and limit how students use computer time. James City County supervisors will formally approve the $179 million county government center. The General Assembly meets today to hash out a budget.
Parents of local school children sent a petition to the Williamsburg-James City County school superintendent proposing a more conservative use of screen time for students, and banning computer use before the third grade.
The petition, signed by 80 parents, urged the school system to spend more time on textbook-based and paper and ink work supervised by engaged teachers, rather than using computers.
The parents said they were worried too much screen time is reducing their children’s ability to focus, concentrate, or develop critical thinking skills. They said computer games are being played in school throughout the day and teachers told them they were spending time learning how to use the technology rather than improving their teaching skills.
They said they were worried schools are being sold excessive technology by businesses that are more interested in sales than in helping students. They asked the schools to publicize how much money is being spent on screen time technology, “including the cost of devices for students, instructional technology and programs, e-book subscriptions, and total staff resources devoted to technology.”
In a cover letter sent to Superintendent Daniel Keever, the group said it recognized technology has a role to play in education, but is concerned about the amount and quality of screen time students are getting in school and how it impacts them.
Several school board members have also expressed concern about excessive screen time and overreliance on technology in recent meetings. They turned down a request to purchase AI technology to help students practice English writing skills and are scheduled to discuss it further at their July 2 board meeting.
The parents’ petition asks the schools to make key changes by the start of the next school year. You can sign the petition here.
The petition said there should not be a requirement to have one computer per student until middle and high school, but recognized there may be a need for special accommodations for students who have specific educational needs that can benefit from technology help.
Among their other recommendations:
1. Prioritize analog methods of learning that focus on traditional textbook learning, teacher-student direct instruction, and hands-on, group learning activities.
2. Create an ideal target range or recommended “cap” on screen time, by grade level. For instance:
· 0 hours of screen time per day for grades K-2
· Maximum 2 hours per week in grades 3-5 (only in computer labs or stations)
· Maximum 1 - 2 hours per day in middle school
· Greater flexibility in high school, encouraging instruction without screens, when appropriate
3. Advance digital literacy standards via limited computer lab and/or computer cart model for K-5 and middle school students, rather than through daily use in the classroom.
4. Require that all instructional technology products align with goals and meet independent standards for efficacy, and to prove that any benefits outweigh potential risks. Make decisions by engaging an advisory committee that includes administrative staff, teachers, school board members, and parents.
5. Eliminate all computer games in the classroom, period. Strengthen existing barriers to block/ restrict children’s access to gaming, video-streaming, and social media on student devices. Spot check regularly to ensure compliance. Prohibit screen time from being used as a reward, incentive, or behavioral reinforcement for students.
6. Disable student access to any generative AI tools, apps, websites, and software on all school-issued devices until this technology has been proven safe, legal, and effective, and until age-appropriate guidelines are established. Monitor AI use for cheating on assessments and misuse with daily schoolwork.
7. Discourage or eliminate passive-use of technology, as well as device usage during passing periods, lunch, and recess.
8. Create clear pathways for parents and students who wish to opt out of device-based instruction, without penalty or reprisal, providing meaningful low-tech alternatives. Provide reasonable, workable tech opt-out policies and alternatives for families who prefer their students to learn in a limited tech environment.
The parents asked the schools to survey all parents, teachers and students about their experience with technology in the classroom and perform a more comprehensive audit of screen time.
They also asked the schools to compile and share information on student outcomes on SOL assessments before and after the schools adopted extensive computer use, and compare to other school systems that are more restrictive on technology use.
The schools should create a parent focus group to advise on technology, the petition said.
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