New APS Student Technology Use Guidelines for 2026–27
Atlanta Public Schools is piloting a new Student Technology Use Policy during the 2026–27 school year. The policy is intended to promote a balanced approach to technology in the classroom—using digital tools when they meaningfully enhance learning while ensuring students continue to have opportunities for hands-on learning, discussion, collaboration, writing, and other non-digital experiences.
A key idea behind the new guidance is “screen value, not just screen time.” Rather than focusing solely on how long students are on a device, APS is asking schools to consider what students are actually doing and learning during that time. High-value technology use might include creating and communicating, collaborating, researching and analyzing information, solving authentic problems, or demonstrating understanding.
New Screen Time Guidance
For the 2026–27 pilot year, APS has established age-appropriate guidance for instructional technology use during the school day:
- K–2: Up to approximately 60 minutes per day of purposeful instructional technology use.
- Grades 3–5: Up to approximately 90 minutes per day of distributed, purposeful instructional technology use.
- Grades 6–8: There is no prescribed daily time limit. Instead, teachers should prioritize the purpose and instructional value of technology and, when appropriate, aim for technology to support no more than half of instructional activities.
The policy also calls for student screen use to generally be broken into intervals of no more than 30 consecutive minutes, with flexibility when technology is essential to meeting a specific learning objective. Teacher-led use of Smartboards and projectors does not count toward these guidelines.
Student device use is not permitted during recess, lunch, snack, or passing periods.
What This Means at ANCS
At ANCS, our approach already emphasizes a multi-modal learning experience that combines digital tools with physical materials, hands-on experiences, collaboration, discussion, and teacher-led instruction.
At the Elementary Campus (K–5), K–2 students use shared Chromebook carts, while grades 3–5 have dedicated classroom Chromebook carts. We also have shared iPads and a variety of physical computing tools available for creative and hands-on learning. Elementary students do not routinely take school devices home and will not be assigned homework that requires a device.
At the Middle Campus (grades 6–8), the emphasis will be on balancing purposeful technology use with teacher-led instruction, discussion, writing, collaboration, and other non-digital learning experiences. Technology may be used to support research and analysis, collaboration and communication, creating and presenting work, intervention and supplemental learning, and access to digital resources and assessments.
There are also exceptions built into the APS guidance. Technology use may extend beyond the general guidelines when it is necessary to meet a specific learning objective, for district or state standardized testing, or to meet the needs outlined in a student’s IEP or 504 Plan.
Screen Value, Not Just Screen Time
Ultimately, the goal of the new policy is not simply to reduce the number of minutes students spend on screens. It is to make sure those minutes have value.
At ANCS, we will continue to use technology intentionally and in ways that enhance learning. Whether students are learning with a Chromebook, a book, a pencil, a hands-on project, or one another, our focus remains the same: purposeful, meaningful instruction.
Because this is a pilot year, APS will review implementation and feedback as it considers future revisions. We will continue to keep ANCS families informed of any changes or additional guidance that affects our students.