SPONSOR: Byrnes
This bill provides definitions for "digital instruction", "instructional technology" and beginning in the 2027-28 school year, limits the use of digital instruction for students in grades Kindergarten through five to not exceed 45 minutes per day.
The bill requires that schools limit the use of instructional technology in primary instruction for reading, mathematics, handwriting or cursive writings, science lessons that include demonstrations or manipulatives, and social studies.
This bill requires that 70% of assignments be completed using paper and pencil and that cursive writing be mandatory for students in grades two through five. Specific details on cursive instruction requirements for grades two through five are specified and the bill requires that students be able to read and write cursive by end of the fifth grade.
The bill provides for exceptions to the limit on technology including for special-education needs, assistive technology required for student access, and teacher-directed demonstrations.
Schools may not assign homework that uses instructional technology, require that technology devices be transported from school to the home, use technology for classroom management, behavior tracking, or entertainment, replace library time with digital reading labs, or cursive handwriting instruction with typing courses.
The bill outlines required annual reporting for school districts that includes average daily student device-use minutes, listing of all software and digital platforms, and verification of textbooks, manipulative use, and compliance with cursive instruction requirements as provided in the bill.
Districts are instructed to adopt and publish the board policy relating to the use of technology supports on the district website.
Statutes affected: