Schools Beyond Screens - Shawnee Mission

About Us

We are a group of parents, educators, and community members in the Shawnee Mission School District advocating for responsible, data-driven and independent research-informed use of school-issued devices. With the support of the community, we are reaching out to the Shawnee Mission School District Board of Education with the goal to support responsible use of education technology for our students.

Please join us in asking the district for a more thoughtful approach to technology use.

Sign Letter of Support

Our Asks

Below are our asks based on community feedback

Prioritize high quality instruction that strengthens student relationships with teachers and peers and builds critical thinking skills: encourage pedagogical practices such as peer collaboration, hands-on learning, movement, inquiry, project-based learning, deep thinking, discussions, etc.

Block student access to YouTube PreK-12 as well as all gaming, video-streaming and social media on student devices.

Require computer skills curriculum: typing, basic software use, AI literacy, etc.

Implement digital safety and wellness curriculum: online safety and risk management, mindful technology use, critical thinking in digital spaces, etc.

Require district-wide handwriting curriculum

Focus on age-appropriate digital product introduction*

PreK-2nd grade - no student device use

3rd-6th grade - shared student devices on rolling carts or computer lab, device use for testing and computer skills

7th-8th grade - Thoughtful introduction of 1:1 student devices only after computer skills are taught and educational benefit is shown, devices stay at school, district Level 1 restrictions in place on every device (i.e. only whitelisted, instructional websites allowed)

9th-12th grade - Introduction of 1:1 student devices after computer skills are taught and educational benefit is shown

Continue efforts to eliminate non-instructional use** of devices during the school day and include an accountability tracking system to provide screen time reports to students, parents, and teachers: unstructured time is for social development. Prohibit student devices from being used during free time or as a reward, incentive, or behavioral reinforcement for students.

Provide an opt-out pathway: create clear pathways for families who wish to opt out of device-based instruction, without penalty or reprisal, by providing paper/pencil and textbook alternatives.

Disable student access to all generative artificial intelligence (gen AI): including tools, apps, websites, and software that incorporate gen AI on all school-issued devices until this technology has been proven safe, legal, and effective, and until age-appropriate guidelines are established. Teach AI literacy. (resources on gen AI)

*Students with IEPs and 504 plans may be exempt from these requested changes based on their needs.

**Instructional use is defined by technology that produces superior academic outcomes to teacher led instruction.

Please complete the survey to share your thoughts, support our efforts, stay up-to-date on progress, and get involved!

SMSD Community Survey