Students work in small groups on a hands-on classroom activity using straws, paper, tape and other materials at desks.

CISD Announces Classroom Technology Usage Recommendations

Comm Team

August 25, 2026

As discussed at the Aug. 24 Board of Trustees Meeting, CISD is introducing new classroom technology usage recommendations for the 2026-2027 school year designed to promote balanced, intentional and developmentally appropriate technology use. Developed through feedback from the CISD Technology Committee, which included parents, students, teachers, staff and community members, and the CISD Board of Trustees, educators and administrators, the recommendations reinforce CISD’s commitment to using technology as a tool to enhance meaningful learning and innovation.

CISD “Technology Usage in the Classroom” infographic for the 2026–2027 school year. The graphic uses black, white, gray and red design elements and includes the CISD logo. A vision statement says technology will be used in balanced, intentional and developmentally appropriate ways to support meaningful learning and innovation. Three sections with student icons list recommended screen time: elementary, pre-kindergarten 0–20 minutes per day, kindergarten and first grade 0–30 minutes per day, second and third grades 0–60 minutes per day, and fourth and fifth grades 0–75 minutes per day, with elementary iPad screen time broken into segments; middle school, grades 6–8, 0–30 minutes per 50-minute class period; and high school, grades 9–12, 0–50 minutes per 90-minute A/B block class period. Action steps state that iPads are not used for recess, are used for academic purposes only, brain breaks are structured to avoid screens, and Apple Classroom is used to monitor minutes. Exceptions may include online district or state assessments, accessibility and meeting service needs such as EB, IEP, 504 or MTSS, technology-based CTE courses, Edgenuity courses and dual credit courses. The graphic notes it is informed by guidance and research from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Pediatrics and The Anxious Generation.

As part of the overall Coppell ISD Technology Framework, the district believes instruction should focus on human connection, critical thinking, hands-on learning, and wellness and engagement. CISD recognizes that the most impactful learning includes teacher-led instruction, meaningful discussions, hands-on experiences, reading, writing and collaboration with peers, with technology serving as a purposeful tool to enhance, but not replace, these experiences. 

The new guidance establishes recommended classroom iPad usage based on students' developmental levels. For elementary students, technology use is measured by total minutes per day and is intended to be broken into shorter instructional segments. Middle and high school recommendations are measured by class period, recognizing the different instructional schedules at those grade levels.

Recommended Classroom Technology Usage

Elementary School

  • Pre-Kindergarten: 0-20 minutes per day

  • Kindergarten & 1st Grade: 0-30 minutes per day

  • 2nd & 3rd Grades: 0-60 minutes per day

  • 4th & 5th Grades: 0-75 minutes per day

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

  • 0-30 minutes per 50-minute class period

High School (Grades 9-12)

  • 0-50 minutes per 90-minute class period

In addition to the recommended usage guidelines, classrooms will follow several consistent practices across the District. iPads will be used for academic purposes only and will not be used during recess. Teachers will provide screen-free brain breaks throughout the day, and Apple Classroom will be used to help monitor instructional technology usage and ensure recommendations are being followed.

The District recognizes that some instructional situations require additional technology use. These may include state and district online assessments, accessibility accommodations and specialized services, Project-Based Learning, Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, Edgenuity coursework, Dual Credit classes and other instructional needs where technology is essential to learning.

Coppell ISD appreciates the partnership of families and staff as we work together to provide students with a balanced educational experience that prepares them for success while fostering creativity, critical thinking and strong relationships in every classroom.