Anonymous
01/06/2026 17:28
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
And that would be a poor choice. I’d rather have my kid “undifferentiated” than stuck in front of a computer. Plus there are ways to differentiate without computers.
You say that now but you'll feel differently when it's happening, or when your middle schooler is plodding through Math 8 rather than Algebra I and Geometry.
lol. I am saying that now because basically every kid in Algebra I is going to have to repeat it (even the good math kids) because the computer program is so terrible and there is not even a textbook or syllabus for parents to use on their own with the kid.
Not my kid, because he's really good at math. In ES, my kid would have been bored out of his mind if he'd had to sit through math with nothing else to do. Yes, his teachers would have given him something without a screen, but they wouldn't have actually had time to grade it, replenish it when he finished it way too quickly, etc.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 17:24
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:I would sign my kid up for tech-free or tech-lite MS. I live on the Hill with one kid in elementary and I'd instantly be extremely interested in this option.
I will say that our experience in DCPS elementary has not been terrible with regards to tech, Yes there is more than I'd like, especially when you get into the testing and assessments, which are all done on computer. However teachers have some latitude here and perhaps we've been lucky but we've had a lot of teachers who really sought to do as much hands on, screen-free learning as possible. I will say that we pushed back on screens as well -- I have always simply refused to have my kid do iReady as homework and have told teachers directly that if they send home written homework, we will make sure it gets done, but otherwise we will look for screen-free ways to enrich learning. My kid has always tested above grade level in everything so they can't argue with me on this.
I'm sure I sound smug. I don't really care. Choosing to keep screens minimal in our home and in our kid's life is one of the parenting choices I feel confident we got right. There are other things I would do differently, but not this.
In any case, if they decided to make EH or S-H a low tech MS, I'd sign my kid right up. I think the rule this year forcing kids to give up devices for the school day is a step in the right direction, I want to see more.
So what kinds of tradeoffs would you be willing to accept for this? Because that's the real question. Not whether people like the idea in isolation. Would you go to E-H for this? Jefferson? Brookland? Wheatley Education Campus? I think the reason no school is really pushing it is that the people who like it don't like it enough to make the niche work.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 17:20
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
I would sign my kid up for tech-free or tech-lite MS. I live on the Hill with one kid in elementary and I'd instantly be extremely interested in this option.
I will say that our experience in DCPS elementary has not been terrible with regards to tech, Yes there is more than I'd like, especially when you get into the testing and assessments, which are all done on computer. However teachers have some latitude here and perhaps we've been lucky but we've had a lot of teachers who really sought to do as much hands on, screen-free learning as possible. I will say that we pushed back on screens as well -- I have always simply refused to have my kid do iReady as homework and have told teachers directly that if they send home written homework, we will make sure it gets done, but otherwise we will look for screen-free ways to enrich learning. My kid has always tested above grade level in everything so they can't argue with me on this.
I'm sure I sound smug. I don't really care. Choosing to keep screens minimal in our home and in our kid's life is one of the parenting choices I feel confident we got right. There are other things I would do differently, but not this.
In any case, if they decided to make EH or S-H a low tech MS, I'd sign my kid right up. I think the rule this year forcing kids to give up devices for the school day is a step in the right direction, I want to see more.
I will say that our experience in DCPS elementary has not been terrible with regards to tech, Yes there is more than I'd like, especially when you get into the testing and assessments, which are all done on computer. However teachers have some latitude here and perhaps we've been lucky but we've had a lot of teachers who really sought to do as much hands on, screen-free learning as possible. I will say that we pushed back on screens as well -- I have always simply refused to have my kid do iReady as homework and have told teachers directly that if they send home written homework, we will make sure it gets done, but otherwise we will look for screen-free ways to enrich learning. My kid has always tested above grade level in everything so they can't argue with me on this.
I'm sure I sound smug. I don't really care. Choosing to keep screens minimal in our home and in our kid's life is one of the parenting choices I feel confident we got right. There are other things I would do differently, but not this.
In any case, if they decided to make EH or S-H a low tech MS, I'd sign my kid right up. I think the rule this year forcing kids to give up devices for the school day is a step in the right direction, I want to see more.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 17:06
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:I don't know, somehow RSM classes are completely tech free and they manage to teach kids years ahead of american school schedule. I don't need my kid's math to be gamified - i need him to be challenged, and he is excited about paper work if it's at his level and not rote math facts.
Right because people are paying for it and making their kids do it, and they aren't trying to teach across such a large ability range and can reject any student they want to. And sometimes the student teacher ratio is much better in RSM. It's not the same thing as a public school at all.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 17:00
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
I don't know, somehow RSM classes are completely tech free and they manage to teach kids years ahead of american school schedule. I don't need my kid's math to be gamified - i need him to be challenged, and he is excited about paper work if it's at his level and not rote math facts.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 16:58
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Look at schools that are Reggio as well. Many people think it’s just Montessori but Reggio does it as well.
DCPS does have ECE Reggio schools. In K they obviously use some tech as iReady and DIBLES is mandatory.
I find this interesting, as a teacher often we are having the discussion that the child is using too much tech at HOME but I think some seldom think of the amount used at school.
I will say it varies by teacher. The only tech I personally use is the smart board and I have a setting to help cancel the blue light (yes that may be too much but I don’t care). The smart board is used to show groups, a timer, and perhaps a video on occasion.
Of course I also have to get the mandatory iReady in -which is on a screen only.
DCPS does have ECE Reggio schools. In K they obviously use some tech as iReady and DIBLES is mandatory.
I find this interesting, as a teacher often we are having the discussion that the child is using too much tech at HOME but I think some seldom think of the amount used at school.
I will say it varies by teacher. The only tech I personally use is the smart board and I have a setting to help cancel the blue light (yes that may be too much but I don’t care). The smart board is used to show groups, a timer, and perhaps a video on occasion.
Of course I also have to get the mandatory iReady in -which is on a screen only.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 16:32
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
100% agree. Screen-free is a cute fantasy of preschool mommies who haven't thought it through.
“Differentiation by computerized curriculum” is a grift perpetuated by ed tech companies. Just wait til your kid gets to MS.
My kid is in MS now. I truly do not have a problem with a few hours of Chromebook work in MS, and I definitely do not see how the school could implement enough math differentiation without screens, given their budget and staffing limitations.
Maybe your kid would be motivated for hours with paper multiplication tables and flash cards, but I think a little gamification really helps. Doing things on paper means someone has to review and score, and that's where the cost comes in. I appreciate that our school values math fluency practice and has found a way to do it within their many practical.constraints.
They could actually just track math classes. math taught by computer is awful - we are going through that right now and every parent hates it. It is not a “few hours on the Chromebook.”
The bigger schools already do track math. The smaller schools don't have enough kids to track cost-effectively.
If by “track” you mean they put every kid into Algebra 1, sure.
I definitely do not mean that. Maybe do a little research before you post. You can look at math placement for Deal right here: https://www.alicedealmiddleschool.org/8th-grade . See where it says "Math 8, Algebra, or Geometry"?
Look, my kid is in 8th. I know exactly what is happening. And even if Algebra were tracked I would still not want it to be entirely taught by computer. It is absurd.
It's not entirely taught by computer anywhere that I know of. Doing some of the work on a computer (like fluency practice and grading) frees up teacher time for things that really do require a teacher.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 16:29
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
100% agree. Screen-free is a cute fantasy of preschool mommies who haven't thought it through.
“Differentiation by computerized curriculum” is a grift perpetuated by ed tech companies. Just wait til your kid gets to MS.
My kid is in MS now. I truly do not have a problem with a few hours of Chromebook work in MS, and I definitely do not see how the school could implement enough math differentiation without screens, given their budget and staffing limitations.
Maybe your kid would be motivated for hours with paper multiplication tables and flash cards, but I think a little gamification really helps. Doing things on paper means someone has to review and score, and that's where the cost comes in. I appreciate that our school values math fluency practice and has found a way to do it within their many practical.constraints.
They could actually just track math classes. math taught by computer is awful - we are going through that right now and every parent hates it. It is not a “few hours on the Chromebook.”
The bigger schools already do track math. The smaller schools don't have enough kids to track cost-effectively.
If by “track” you mean they put every kid into Algebra 1, sure.
I definitely do not mean that. Maybe do a little research before you post. You can look at math placement for Deal right here: https://www.alicedealmiddleschool.org/8th-grade . See where it says "Math 8, Algebra, or Geometry"?
Look, my kid is in 8th. I know exactly what is happening. And even if Algebra were tracked I would still not want it to be entirely taught by computer. It is absurd.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 15:45
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
100% agree. Screen-free is a cute fantasy of preschool mommies who haven't thought it through.
“Differentiation by computerized curriculum” is a grift perpetuated by ed tech companies. Just wait til your kid gets to MS.
My kid is in MS now. I truly do not have a problem with a few hours of Chromebook work in MS, and I definitely do not see how the school could implement enough math differentiation without screens, given their budget and staffing limitations.
Maybe your kid would be motivated for hours with paper multiplication tables and flash cards, but I think a little gamification really helps. Doing things on paper means someone has to review and score, and that's where the cost comes in. I appreciate that our school values math fluency practice and has found a way to do it within their many practical.constraints.
They could actually just track math classes. math taught by computer is awful - we are going through that right now and every parent hates it. It is not a “few hours on the Chromebook.”
The bigger schools already do track math. The smaller schools don't have enough kids to track cost-effectively.
If by “track” you mean they put every kid into Algebra 1, sure.
I definitely do not mean that. Maybe do a little research before you post. You can look at math placement for Deal right here: https://www.alicedealmiddleschool.org/8th-grade . See where it says "Math 8, Algebra, or Geometry"?
Anonymous
01/06/2026 15:40
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
100% agree. Screen-free is a cute fantasy of preschool mommies who haven't thought it through.
“Differentiation by computerized curriculum” is a grift perpetuated by ed tech companies. Just wait til your kid gets to MS.
My kid is in MS now. I truly do not have a problem with a few hours of Chromebook work in MS, and I definitely do not see how the school could implement enough math differentiation without screens, given their budget and staffing limitations.
Maybe your kid would be motivated for hours with paper multiplication tables and flash cards, but I think a little gamification really helps. Doing things on paper means someone has to review and score, and that's where the cost comes in. I appreciate that our school values math fluency practice and has found a way to do it within their many practical.constraints.
They could actually just track math classes. math taught by computer is awful - we are going through that right now and every parent hates it. It is not a “few hours on the Chromebook.”
The bigger schools already do track math. The smaller schools don't have enough kids to track cost-effectively.
If by “track” you mean they put every kid into Algebra 1, sure.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 15:40
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
And that would be a poor choice. I’d rather have my kid “undifferentiated” than stuck in front of a computer. Plus there are ways to differentiate without computers.
You say that now but you'll feel differently when it's happening, or when your middle schooler is plodding through Math 8 rather than Algebra I and Geometry.
lol. I am saying that now because basically every kid in Algebra I is going to have to repeat it (even the good math kids) because the computer program is so terrible and there is not even a textbook or syllabus for parents to use on their own with the kid.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 15:35
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
100% agree. Screen-free is a cute fantasy of preschool mommies who haven't thought it through.
“Differentiation by computerized curriculum” is a grift perpetuated by ed tech companies. Just wait til your kid gets to MS.
My kid is in MS now. I truly do not have a problem with a few hours of Chromebook work in MS, and I definitely do not see how the school could implement enough math differentiation without screens, given their budget and staffing limitations.
Maybe your kid would be motivated for hours with paper multiplication tables and flash cards, but I think a little gamification really helps. Doing things on paper means someone has to review and score, and that's where the cost comes in. I appreciate that our school values math fluency practice and has found a way to do it within their many practical.constraints.
They could actually just track math classes. math taught by computer is awful - we are going through that right now and every parent hates it. It is not a “few hours on the Chromebook.”
The bigger schools already do track math. The smaller schools don't have enough kids to track cost-effectively.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 15:34
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
And that would be a poor choice. I’d rather have my kid “undifferentiated” than stuck in front of a computer. Plus there are ways to differentiate without computers.
You say that now but you'll feel differently when it's happening, or when your middle schooler is plodding through Math 8 rather than Algebra I and Geometry.
Anonymous
01/06/2026 15:34
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
100% agree. Screen-free is a cute fantasy of preschool mommies who haven't thought it through.
“Differentiation by computerized curriculum” is a grift perpetuated by ed tech companies. Just wait til your kid gets to MS.
My kid is in MS now. I truly do not have a problem with a few hours of Chromebook work in MS, and I definitely do not see how the school could implement enough math differentiation without screens, given their budget and staffing limitations.
Maybe your kid would be motivated for hours with paper multiplication tables and flash cards, but I think a little gamification really helps. Doing things on paper means someone has to review and score, and that's where the cost comes in. I appreciate that our school values math fluency practice and has found a way to do it within their many practical.constraints.
They could actually just track math classes. math taught by computer is awful - we are going through that right now and every parent hates it. It is not a “few hours on the Chromebook.”
Anonymous
01/06/2026 15:32
Subject: DCPS (or a charter) should pilot a tech-free (or tech-lite) ES/MS
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I would worry that the tech-free school would have no differentiation. I am aware that screen-free differentiation is possible, but it is harder without more resources (specifically, additional teachers/coaches/support staff), almost never happens and screens definitely make it much easier. As a result, I think a tech-free school would end up losing high achieving kids once their parents realized what was happening (1st/2nd).
100% agree. Screen-free is a cute fantasy of preschool mommies who haven't thought it through.
“Differentiation by computerized curriculum” is a grift perpetuated by ed tech companies. Just wait til your kid gets to MS.
My kid is in MS now. I truly do not have a problem with a few hours of Chromebook work in MS, and I definitely do not see how the school could implement enough math differentiation without screens, given their budget and staffing limitations.
Maybe your kid would be motivated for hours with paper multiplication tables and flash cards, but I think a little gamification really helps. Doing things on paper means someone has to review and score, and that's where the cost comes in. I appreciate that our school values math fluency practice and has found a way to do it within their many practical.constraints.