FSD Balances Digital Tools with Teacher-Led Instruction

As students settle into their classroom routines, Franklin Special District is sharing additional information with families about how Chromebooks and other digital tools are used during the school day and the safeguards in place to ensure technology supports, rather than replaces, strong classroom instruction.

The Franklin Special District Board of Education recently adopted an Instructional Use of Digital Devices policy in accordance with a new Tennessee law governing digital device use for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The state law requires school districts to prioritize in-person, teacher-led instruction and non-electronic instructional materials; limit district-issued devices to uses that provide a clear educational benefit; ensure electronic assessments and instructional tools are developmentally appropriate and aligned with state standards; restrict access to social media through district internet services; and provide families with information about classroom device use.

Those expectations align with FSD's approach to technology.

In-person, teacher-led instruction remains the primary way our students learn. Chromebooks and other digital resources are tools our educators use when they add meaningful instructional value.

Purpose Matters
When discussing student screen time, it is important to consider not only how long a student uses a screen but also why they use it.

There is a significant difference between passive or recreational screen use and a student using an approved digital resource under a teacher's supervision to complete an assessment, practice a specific skill or receive instruction targeted to an individual learning need.

Tennessee's new law recognizes that distinction. It specifically allows digital devices to continue to be used for targeted instructional support, intervention and remediation, accommodations and services for students with disabilities, and required assessments and screeners.

In FSD, digital tools can provide teachers with information that would be difficult to obtain as quickly through traditional methods alone. Assessment results can help educators identify what a student already understands, pinpoint areas that need additional instruction, and determine where a student may be ready for greater challenge.

Digital learning programs can then provide targeted practice connected to those identified needs.
These resources do not replace teachers or classroom instruction. They complement direct teaching, small-group instruction, books and printed materials, writing, discussion, collaboration, hands-on activities, and other screen-free learning experiences.

Clear Expectations and Safeguards
FSD students in kindergarten through eighth grade may access only approved online resources at the teacher's discretion. YouTube and social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are blocked for students. District Chromebooks are also filtered and monitored through GoGuardian, which helps teachers keep students focused on assigned instructional activities.

The district also reviews digital resources for instructional appropriateness and student data privacy before they are approved for classroom use.

Balance Remains the Goal
FSD recognizes the importance of balancing digital learning with meaningful screen-free experiences throughout the school day. Our approach is straightforward: teacher-led instruction comes first, technology must provide a clear educational benefit, and screen-free learning remains an essential part of every student's school experience.

Families who would like to learn more about FSD's Chromebook use, filtering, student privacy, digital citizenship and screen-time practices may review:

• Connected For Success
• Conectados Hacia el Éxito