Technology in Schools

Technology is an important instructional tool, but it is only one of many ways students learn. At CCSD, great teaching comes first, alongside reading, writing, discussion, hands-on activities, collaboration, movement, and strong relationships.

To make sure that technology is used thoughtfully, Superintendent Huggins convened a task force of educators and district experts. After reviewing research, school feedback, and practices nationwide, the group helped shape CCSD’s approach to classroom technology. That approach emphasizes balance and purpose. Technology should be used when it strengthens instruction, improves access, or enhances learning.

Families are also important partners in promoting healthy technology habits. This school year, CCSD is working to deploy new analytics tools that will give parents and guardians access to review how their student(s) use Chromebooks, including the websites and applications they access. Families will also be able to review screen time, receive activity reports, and manage certain aspects of device use outside of school hours. We believe that these tools will help families establish healthy routines and support their child’s technology use.

Instructional Expectations

Families can expect teachers to use technology purposefully and choose the best approach for each lesson and student. CCSD’s screen-time guidance supports healthy, consistent practices while allowing flexibility for students who rely on assistive tools such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, real-time captioning, and visual supports to access instruction.

Every day, CCSD students should experience a balance of:

Teacher-led instruction
Reading and writing
Problem-solving and hands-on learning
Discussion and collaboration
Movement and active learning
Independent thinking and creativity

Grade-Level Expectations

PK3-PK4

Kindergarten-Grade 1

Grades 2-5

Grades 6-8

Technology is used regularly to support instruction, but screen time should remain purposeful and balanced. Students should not routinely spend most of a class period working independently on a device unless there is a clear learning need. Teachers should include device-free activities such as discussion, writing, collaboration, labs, movement, and hands-on learning.

Grades 9-12

Technology supports learning and prepares students for college, careers, and a digital world. Use will vary by course and learning goal, but should be balanced with direct instruction, discussion, writing, collaboration, labs, hands-on experiences, and other forms of active learning. Students should regularly learn, create, and demonstrate their understanding without devices.

Family Partnership and Parent Choice

CCSD values families as partners in promoting healthy technology habits. With the planned launch of new analytics tools later this year, families will be able to view activity on district-issued devices and, outside school hours, set schedules, pause browsing, and manage access to certain online content. Educators will guide school-day use, while families will have more tools to manage use at home.

Personalized Learning Tools

CCSD-approved tools, including i-Ready, ALEKS, and Achieve3000, help teachers identify learning needs and provide targeted practice. These tools should support classroom instruction, with students spending more time learning with teachers and peers than working independently on digital platforms.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

CCSD is committed to helping students use generative AI (GenAI) safely, ethically, and effectively. Approved GenAI tools should be age-appropriate, purposeful, and used to support, not replace, students’ thinking, writing, problem-solving, and creativity.

Teachers determine when GenAI supports learning within District guidance, based on grade level, course, and instructional purpose.

Learn more about CCSD’s guidance, policies, and resources on the CCSD Generative AI webpage.