Sample school board resolution

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[District name] School Board

Resolution No. [number]: Developmentally appropriate use of instructional technology in grades K-5

WHEREAS, the [District name] School Board is committed to the academic success, health, and well-being of every student; and

WHEREAS, the use of student devices and instructional software in elementary classrooms expanded rapidly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, often without a review of learning outcomes; and

WHEREAS, research syntheses have found that students tend to comprehend informational text somewhat better on paper than on screens, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has raised concerns about engagement-driven digital design; and

WHEREAS, UNESCO's 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report recommends that technology be introduced in education based on evidence that it is appropriate, equitable, scalable, and sustainable, and that it complement rather than replace teachers; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Education's August 2026 guidance calls on districts to evaluate education technology by whether it measurably improves student learning; and

WHEREAS, other Oregon districts, including [Medford, Lake Oswego, Bend-La Pine, and Tigard-Tualatin], have begun reviewing and limiting device use in the early grades; and

WHEREAS, assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication devices, and accommodations under Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 plans are essential to students who rely on them;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the [District name] School Board directs the Superintendent to:

• Conduct a review of student device use in grades K-5, including average daily minutes by grade and a list of all instructional applications on student devices, and present the findings to the Board by [date].

• Present an itemized report of costs for student devices and instructional software in grades K-5, including contract renewal dates, by [date].

• Convene an instructional technology advisory group that includes teachers, parents, and independent experts, with no vendor representation, to recommend grade-level guidelines.

• Bring to the Board's policy committee, by [date], proposed revisions to Board Policy IIBGA and related administrative regulations, or a new policy, that:

• Make books, paper, handwriting, and hands-on materials the default for core instruction in grades K-5;

• Limit individual student device use in kindergarten through grade 2 to assessments, accommodations, and specific instructional purposes;

• Set maximum daily and weekly device time for grades 3 through 5;

• Keep elementary devices at school unless a family requests otherwise, and favor shared carts or labs over one device per student;

• Block student-directed video streaming and non-instructional games on elementary devices;

• Require evidence of effectiveness before adopting or renewing instructional software; and

• Provide families a clear process to request paper-based alternatives without penalty.

• Ensure that nothing in this resolution or any resulting policy limits assistive technology, AAC devices, or any accommodation required by an IEP or Section 504 plan.

ADOPTED this [day] day of [month], [year].

[Board chair signature]