Tired students returning home after a long day, forced to spend hours more working on programs like Reading Plus and I Ready. As a student, I know firsthand that these programs do not aid learning as much as our teachers believe. Instead, they add to our stress levels and pressure us to spend even more time on screens.

Modern education should focus on the needs and well-being of the students. However, the forced implementation of Reading Plus and I Ready, digital learning programs, seems to contradict this principle. Both require significant after-school hours, offer little academic benefit and increase screen time, all of which can negatively impact a student’s mental and physical health.

Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that excessive screen time can lead to unhealthy sedentary behaviors in children (SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatrics, Council on Communications and Media, 2016). We, the students, are already exposed to screens during regular school hours. By adding more time through these platforms, we risk developing health issues associated with increased screen time.

It’s time our educators reassessed the true impact of these platforms. The value of homework lies in its potential to reinforce what's taught in the classroom, encourage self-directed learning, and foster positive academic habits (SOURCE: Centre for Public Education, 2007). Unfortunately, the aimless activities of these platforms do not promote understanding.

This petition seeks to end the mandatory use of Reading Plus and I Ready in our schools. Let's return to teaching methods that truly serve us. Our wellbeing should not be compromised for these ineffective digital programs. Please sign this petition to stand up for a healthier, more effective educational system.