01What the research shows
Reading on paper vs. screens
What this tells usAcross many studies, comprehension tends to be somewhat better on paper, especially for informational text.
What it doesn't tell usThat all screen reading harms learning.
Tablets and reading in upper elementary school
What this tells usAmong 182 students ages 10 to 13 in Spain reading under time pressure, weaker readers understood less on tablets than on paper. Stronger readers did equally well on both.
What it doesn't tell usThat tablets hurt every reader. Across the whole group there was no difference, and tablets didn’t increase distraction.
UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2023
What this tells usTechnology should enter classrooms on evidence that it is appropriate, equitable, scalable, and sustainable, and should complement teachers rather than replace them.
What it doesn't tell usThat technology is harmful. It says the burden of proof belongs on the technology.
American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 policy statement on digital ecosystems
What this tells usPediatricians now emphasize content quality, context, and engagement-driven design more than simple time limits.
What it doesn't tell usCausal conclusions. The AAP notes causal evidence remains limited.
AAP guidance for parents on school-issued Chromebooks
What this tells usMany 1:1 Chromebook policies date from the pandemic and haven’t been updated for the quality, amount and developmental fit of what students can reach. The AAP encourages parents to raise this with their districts.
What it doesn't tell usThat school devices should be removed. The AAP also notes technology helps students build skills and supports students with disabilities.
Brookings 2026 report on AI in education
Cited in Bend-La Pine's resolution.
What this tells usAfter a yearlong study across 50 countries, the authors concluded that, for now, the risks of generative AI in education overshadow its benefits.
What it doesn't tell usThat AI has no place in school. The report says well-designed tools can help within a sound teaching approach, and its findings rest on interviews and a research review, not experiments.
02What you’ll hear, and how to respond
Calm, honest answers to the questions parents hear most at school board meetings.
Agreed. Then show us the evidence that each product improves learning.
The guidance letter (PDF)(ed.gov)(opens in a new tab)Some do. We support targeted, evidence-backed, teacher-directed tools, not screens as the default.
Yes. Teach technology as a subject, in a computer class.
The strongest trials found that giving students computers alone didn't raise achievement, and in one study home computers lowered grades. Weaker readers can lose the most when reading moves to tablets. Teacher time matters most for kids with the least support at home.
Our summaries:Escueta et al., 2020Malamud & Pop-Eleches, 2011Salmerón et al., 2021
Assistive technology and IEP and 504 accommodations are protected in every ask.
03One-page research briefs
One-page research briefs
Printable one-page research summaries to bring to school board meetings.
04The full research library
Plain-language summaries of every study we cite, with the original sources one click away.
Last reviewed September 27, 2026.