News

New classroom technology guidance emphasizes balance, purposeful use, and family partnership

Charleston County School District (CCSD) will launch new analytics tools this year, giving families greater visibility into how students use district-issued devices and additional tools to support healthy technology habits outside the school day. Through the portal, parents and guardians will be able to understand how students use their Chromebooks, including the websites and applications they access. District safeguards will remain in place, and educators will continue to guide technology use during the instructional day.

The launch is part of CCSD’s broader commitment to using technology in a balanced and purposeful way. Earlier this year, Superintendent Anita Huggins convened a Technology Task Force of educators, instructional leaders, technology staff, and other district experts to review research, gather feedback from schools, and examine practices from districts across the country. The task force’s recommendations helped CCSD set clearer expectations for classroom technology use, including recommended screen-time ranges by grade level. Teachers will use technology when it adds value to a lesson while continuing to give students opportunities to read, write, talk, collaborate, solve problems, move, create, and learn through hands-on experiences.

“Technology can be a powerful tool for learning when it is used with purpose and balance,” said CCSD Superintendent Anita Huggins. “Our teachers will continue to lead instruction and create meaningful learning experiences, while the Lightspeed Parent Portal will give families greater insight and more tools to support healthy technology habits at home. This work reflects our commitment to partnering with families and preparing students to succeed in an increasingly digital world.” 

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. 

Grade-Level Expectations

PK3-PK4: Technology use should be brief, teacher-directed, and the exception rather than a routine part of the day. Most learning should occur through play, conversation, movement, music, outdoor exploration, and hands-on activities. Generally, no more than 15-20 minutes per school day, with most days involving little or no screen time.

Kindergarten-Grade 1: Technology should be used in short, purposeful ways that support instruction, such as targeted activities, small-group instruction, assessment, or specific learning needs. Generally, 20-30 minutes per school day, balanced with teacher-led and hands-on learning.

Grades 2-5: Technology should be used when it adds meaningful instructional value, such as supporting practice and feedback, creativity, or access. Typically, 30-60 minutes per school day, although projects, assessments, or individual learning needs may require additional time. 

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 through 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.

The guidance also addresses personalized learning platforms and generative artificial intelligence. District-approved digital tools should support classroom instruction without replacing meaningful interaction with teachers and peers. Approved artificial intelligence tools should be used safely, ethically, and appropriately to support student learning. 

CCSD will share additional information with families before the portal launches, including instructions for accessing and using its features.

Learn more about technology use in CCSD classrooms.