(TNS) — Shawnee Mission parents are seeing dramatic changes in technology and artificial intelligence in the workplace. They are now concerned about what that means for their children.
The use of technology was at the center of public comment Monday evening before the district’s first school board meeting of the school year.
The meeting considered preparations for the next school year as principals return to school this week. But the issue, which is, as Vice President Jessica Hembree puts it, a “hot topic” for the community, led to a lengthy discussion about AI and personal technology use.
Superintendent Michael Schumacher made two main points clear regarding the use of technology in schools. Students must not have authorized access to generative AI on district devices or networks, and there must be no use of non-educational technology in the classroom.
“Guys, we are fully committed to this. We are listening and we will continue to improve,” Schumacher said.
Among other changes, the district is implementing iPad carts to store devices from students’ desks when they are not using them.
Board members also voted in favor of increasing disciplinary action against students who inappropriately use devices during class and referring students to the office rather than leaving the matter to individual teachers.
The policy also reiterated students’ “obligation” to leave personal communication devices at home, in their cars or in their lockers.
Hembree said she was surprised by one parent’s comment that her kindergartener spent four hours on an iPad during class.
“If this is happening in our district, we need to know about it and do something about it,” she said, to applause.
parents’ opposition
Still, some advocates think districts should do more to limit technology in education.
Kim Whitman, a district parent and supporter who helped found the Vons Free Schools movement, said some of the board’s messages were encouraging, but many questions remain.
Whitman said parents are concerned that the research comes from unreliable sources and ultimately want data to explain the district’s technology-heavy approach.
They also want to know exactly how much time students are spending on technology in the classroom and want to see data from their school districts.
“I think we need more clarity so parents aren’t left in the dark, teachers have clear guidance, and students know what’s expected of them.” [to do] Every day when the children come to school. ” she said.
Whitman said she is concerned about how the district will handle the transition to more limited technology use in the classroom after years of actively embracing the use of devices.
“The school district has been giving 20-odd kids in their class an addictive device with Internet access and telling their teachers to use it as much as possible for years,” she told the Star. “And now we’re going to be told to use it only for instructional purposes. Without massive support from the district, teachers won’t be able to flip that script on their own.”
Whitman recommended using tubs or pencil pouches in classrooms to hold devices, as other school districts have used during classes.
She’s not the only one worried. Other parents have actively voiced their concerns through public comment and community advocacy. At this week’s meeting, for example, parents hosted a paper drive to make it easier for teachers to print.
Many others are involved in an organization called Schools Beyond Screens. The organization is the first and only local chapter in Kansas to advocate for technology limits in schools.
Ryan Van Pelt, a member of Schools Beyond Screens, said he would like to see district leaders become more innovative.
“Innovation does not necessarily mean innovation,” he said in an email to district leaders. “One of the most innovative things in education today is definitely rethinking the use of technology.”
What to do about AI
Board members voted on the use of students’ personal devices but did not make a final decision on the district’s AI policy this week.
Aaron Walter, who lives in Leawood with his wife and three children who attend Shawnee Mission schools, said his insurance company is struggling with AI and doesn’t feel it’s clear how to use it at a professional level.
“If there is so much disagreement among established companies that are dedicated to building and deploying AI and have the resources to do so, why should there be any difference in education?” Walter said.
During public comment, Walter called for a moratorium on generative AI in schools. He said the board needed to wait for the policy to be fully informed on how it should be used.
Board member David Westbrook said the suspension was unnecessary, but many agreed with concerned parents. Westbrook said the board had an opportunity to act locally before the issue risks becoming polarizing at the state level.
“The Legislature hasn’t completely taken away that privilege from us by taking AI and using it to make it a lightning rod and use it to prosecute problems,” Westbrook said at the conference. “This is not the time for politics. This is the time for leadership.”
Leah Morgans has served as a PTA board member for her district for over three years and has been able to have ongoing conversations with other parents, educators, and staff about the use of technology.
“We are thinking about what technology can do for students before deciding what they should have the opportunity to do first,” she said at the conference.
She said she understands the argument that technology is constantly evolving and that establishing policy is difficult, but that’s an even bigger reason for people to rely on what they already know.
“We already know the science of child development. We already know what children need to grow into capable adults,” she said. “I think the more we use technology, the more we have to be careful about what we are unintentionally taking away from our children.”
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