Pasco County schools are implementing new guidelines that significantly reduce daily screen time for students as they return to school in August. The district aims to prioritize direct, hands-on instruction and develop fundamental analog skills like listening, note-taking, and organizing thoughts. Superintendent John Legg emphasizes that teachers should own the instruction rather than technology, with devices serving only a supporting role. Specific limits include no more than thirty minutes of daily screen time for kindergarten and first grade students, up to an hour for grades two through eight, and flexible use averaging ninety minutes in high schools. While classroom technology will not be eliminated, its usage will be more intentionally aligned with specific academic goals rather than being the primary mode of instruction.
Facts
- The district recommends no more than 30 minutes of daily screen time for kindergarten and first grade students.
- Students in grades two through eight will have a maximum of one hour of daily screen time.
- High school students can use devices flexibly but for an average of no more than 90 minutes daily.
- Superintendent John Legg stated that teachers should own the instruction, not the technology.
