Richardson ISD students will have new limits on passive device use when classes resume Aug. 12, with different rules based on grade level.
Superintendent Tabitha Branum said the policy is intended to reduce time spent consuming content on screens and increase work done with paper and pencil. District leaders are drawing a distinction between passive use of technology and uses they consider productive for learning.
Under the policy, pre-K and kindergarten students may use devices for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Students in grades 1 through 4 may have 15 to 20 minutes of school-issued screen use in segments, while grades 5 and 6 may have 20 to 30 minutes divided across the school day.
For grades 7 through 12, the limit is 15 to 20 minutes during each class period.
The district also will not allow screen access to be used as a reward for behavior, and students will not be allowed to use devices during recess. Richardson ISD’s YouTube restrictions will also apply to secondary campuses this year.
Branum recently visited the homes of students who are new to the district, greeting them and delivering signs that read, "RISD is the one for us!"