To the Aldine ISD Board of Trustees and District Leadership,

We, the educators, parents, and community members, respectfully request a reassessment of mandatory weekly screen-time quotas required of elementary students in Aldine ISD.

Currently, students are required to spend designated minutes each week on programs such as ST Math, Amira, Let’s Go Learn, and Lexia. In addition to this, we are replacing traditional extracurricular classes such as Art or Dance, and instead elementary school students in Aldine take classes that require application use the entire class time, AND these quotas extend into homeroom instructional time, significantly increasing overall screen exposure for young learners.

We recognize that educational technology can be a useful instructional tool when used intentionally and strategically. However, rigid minute requirements reduce teacher flexibility and limit valuable instructional time that could otherwise be used for:

-Direct teacher-led instruction

-Small-group intervention

-Hands-on and collaborative learning

-Writing and pen-and-paper foundational skill development

-Meaningful peer interaction and discussion

Research suggests that the amount and quality of screen exposure in elementary years matters. Studies have found associations between higher screen time and lower academic performance in reading and math, as well as impacts on attention and physical activity (JAMA Network Open; PubMed; BMC Public Health). While technology can supplement instruction, it should not replace research-based early childhood practices or limit professional educator judgment.

This petition does not call for the elimination of educational technology. Instead, we ask Aldine ISD to:

-Remove rigid weekly minute quotas for application usage.

-Allow teachers professional autonomy to determine appropriate instructional tools for their students.

-Prioritize developmentally appropriate, hands-on instruction in elementary classrooms.

-Reintroduce structured computer lab time focused on digital literacy skills such as keyboarding and responsible technology use.

-Engage educators in meaningful dialogue about balancing technology with foundational instruction.

Our goal is simple: ensure instructional time in Aldine ISD elementary schools is balanced, research-informed, and centered on student development.

We urge district leadership to review current policies and work collaboratively with educators and families to create a healthier, more effective approach to classroom technology use.

Sign this petition to support balanced instruction and teacher autonomy in Aldine ISD.