2026-2027 District Tech Guildelines & Expectations

To Our TUFSD Families, 
 

I hope everyone had a great start to the school year. Over the past several months, we have carefully reflected on the role technology should play in our classrooms. We have listened to families, educators, and students, while also reviewing current research and best practices regarding technology use in schools.
 

We believe technology should be used thoughtfully and purposefully to support teaching and learning. The guidelines below reflect our current approach to ensuring technology enhances learning while maintaining the essential role of teachers, students, and the strong relationships that support learning. As we continue this work, we will regularly reflect on its impact and refine our practices to ensure they remain thoughtful, balanced, and responsive. 
 

Priority Area

2026-2027 Technology Expectations

Our Guiding Principles

• Technology is intentional: Every use has a clear learning purpose.

• Technology is purposeful: It enhances instruction rather than replacing effective teaching practices.

• Technology is balanced: Students experience meaningful learning both with and without screens.

• Technology is a tool. Excellent teaching is irreplaceable.
   

Devices & Access

• Elementary classrooms will utilize shared Chromebook carts for instructional use rather than a 1:1 device model. 

• Student devices are available when instruction requires them, not as a default throughout the school day.

• Chromebooks will not be sent home in grades K–2. 

• In grades 3–5, devices may only be taken home for a specific educational purpose that has been communicated to families in advance. 
   

Student Learning & Practice 

• Technology is used only when it enhances learning.

• Devices are not used as rewards or for free time entertainment.

• Student thinking always comes before technology.

• Students are expected to remain on assigned tasks & use technology responsibly. 
   

Educator Support and Modeling 

• Teachers will make intentional decisions about when technology enhances instruction and when non-digital learning experiences are more appropriate. 

• Discussion, reading, writing, collaboration, hands-on learning, and play remain our primary instructional practices. 

• Digital resources will be used for instructional purposes only. 

• AI may support teacher planning but will not replace teacher expertise or student thinking.

• Teachers are responsible for actively monitoring device use. 
   

Instructional Technology

• District-approved tools and programs will be used only for their intended instructional purposes. 

• Core instructional programs will support curriculum implementation, while supplemental digital resources will extend learning, provide differentiation, and allow students to create, collaborate, and demonstrate understanding. 

• Digital resources are intended to enhance instruction, not replace high-quality teaching. 

• YouTube videos will be used only for instructional purposes and will be embedded into lessons to remove advertisements, pop-ups, and unrelated content. 
   

Assessment

• Digital assessment tools may be used for scheduled district and state assessments, progress monitoring, and instructional decision-making. 

• Assessment data will be used to inform teaching and identify student needs and will not serve as the sole measure of student or teacher performance. 
   

Our Partnership

We appreciate the thoughtful feedback and partnership of our families as we continue to consider the role of technology in our schools. We believe technology has an important place in education when it is used intentionally, purposefully, and in balance with the rich learning experiences that matter most.
 

Reading, writing, discussion, collaboration, creativity, hands-on learning, and play will remain at the heart of our elementary classrooms, with technology enhancing instruction when it adds value to student learning. As we move forward, we will continue to reflect on our practices, listen to feedback, and make decisions that keep student learning and well-being at the center of our work.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work together to provide the best possible learning experiences for every child.
 

Sincerely,
 

Sharon O’Grady

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Dan Larkin

Director of Technology