Update to Technology Use in Kindergarten Through Second Grade

Letter to Families

Dear K-2 Families,

Seattle Public Schools is updating how technology is used in kindergarten through second grade classrooms beginning Jan. 4, 2027.

As part of this shift, SPS will move away from the current 1:1 iPad model, in which each kindergarten through second grade student is assigned their own individual iPad for usage at school or home, and transition to a classroom-based approach to technology access in grades K-2. iPads will remain available at school, and teachers will use them intentionally when technology supports instruction, accessibility, assessment, or other approved learning activities. 

Students in kindergarten through second grade will have limited daily technology use, generally ranging from 0 to 30 minutes as part of a balanced instructional day. This does not mean students will be required to use technology every day. Some days may include no iPad use when the learning goal is better supported through direct instruction, reading, writing, discussion, manipulatives, movement, or hands-on exploration. 

Technology will continue to be one of many tools teachers use to support student learning. Our focus is to ensure technology complements, rather than replaces, the hands-on, social, language-rich, and interpersonal experiences that are especially important during the early elementary years. 

District-adopted curriculum and instructional resources include technology components, and students will continue to engage with those tools when they are part of classroom learning. Teachers will use technology intentionally and in developmentally appropriate ways alongside direct instruction and other classroom experiences. 

What is changing?
Beginning Jan. 4, 2027, K-2 students will no longer be assigned an individual iPad through the 1:1 device model. Instead, iPads will be shared and managed as classroom resources. 

How much technology will students use?
Daily technology use will generally range from 0 to 30 minutes. The amount of time may vary based on the lesson and student needs, and technology will not be required every day. 

Will students still use iPads?
Yes. iPads will remain available in classrooms for approved learning activities, assessments, accessibility supports, and other situations in which technology meaningfully supports instruction. 

What will learning look like without individual devices?
Students will continue to learn through teacher-led instruction, reading, writing, discussion, small-group work, hands-on activities, manipulatives, movement, creative projects, and exploration. Technology will be used when it adds value to these experiences. 

What about district-adopted curriculum?
Students will continue to use the technology components included in district-adopted curriculum and instructional resources when those tools are part of classroom learning. 

What about students who need technology for accessibility or other supports?
Technology will remain available when needed for accessibility, assessment, approved instructional activities, or other student supports. Additional implementation guidance will be shared as details are finalized.

This change reflects our continued focus on providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences for our youngest students while ensuring technology remains available when it meaningfully supports learning. Additional details and family resources will be shared before the change takes effect.

If you have questions, please contact Seattle Public Schools using Let’s Talk.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools. 

Sincerely, 

Michael Starosky 
Assistant Superintendent of Academics 
Seattle Public Schools 

Carlos Del Valle 
Assistant Superintendent Tech Optimization 
Seattle Public Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Beginning Jan. 4, 2027, Seattle Public Schools will move from a 1:1 iPad model to a classroom-based approach to technology access in kindergarten through second grade. Students will continue to have access to technology at school, but technology use will generally be limited to 0-30 minutes per day and used when it meaningfully supports learning.  

Why is SPS making this change?

Seattle Public Schools is committed to providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. Research and instructional best practices emphasize the importance of balancing technology use with: 

• Direct teacher instruction 
• Reading and writing 
• Small-group learning 
• Discussion and conversation 
• Play-based learning 
• Hands-on exploration 
• Movement and social interaction 

The goal is for technology to complement learning, not replace these important experiences.  

Does this mean students will use technology every day?

No. The 0-30 minute range is not a daily requirement. Some days may include no iPad use if the lesson is better supported through:

• Reading 
• Writing 
• Discussion 
• Manipulatives 
• Science exploration 
• Art activities 
• Movement 
• Teacher-led instruction 

Technology use will vary based on instructional goals.  

What will students do instead of using individual devices?

Students will continue to engage in: 

• Teacher-led instruction 
• Reading and literacy activities 
• Writing and storytelling 
• Math lessons and manipulatives 
• Science investigations 
• Small-group and partner work 
• Art and creative projects 
• Movement activities 
• Social-emotional learning 

These experiences will remain the primary ways students learn in K-2 classrooms. 

Will students still use district-adopted digital curriculum?

Yes. District-adopted curriculum and instructional resources include technology components, and students will continue to engage with those resources when they are part of classroom learning. Teachers will determine when technology supports the learning objectives of a lesson.  

Will students still complete assessments using technology?

Some classroom, district, or state-required assessments may continue to use technology. 

Additional assessment guidance will be provided as implementation plans are finalized.  

Are changes planned for grades 3-12?

Currently, the announced changes apply to kindergarten through second grade only. If future recommendations affect other grade levels, SPS will communicate those changes separately.  

How was this decision made?

The district considered: 

• Research on child development 
• Instructional best practices 
• Feedback from educators 
• Student learning needs 
• The role of technology in early elementary classrooms 

The focus is on creating balanced, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young learners. 

Where can families learn more?

Additional information, implementation details, and family resources will be shared before Jan. 4, 2027. 

Families will receive updates through: 

• SPS communications 
• School newsletters 
• The SPS website 
• Family engagement opportunities 

Questions may be directed to: 

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Key Takeaways

• K-2 students will no longer be assigned individual iPads beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
• iPads will remain available as shared classroom resources.
• Technology use will generally range from 0-30 minutes per day.
• Students will continue to use technology for instruction, assessments, accessibility, and approved learning activities.
• Hands-on, teacher-led learning will remain the primary instructional approach in K-2 classrooms.
• Students with IEPs, 504 Plans, and assistive technology needs will continue to receive required supports and accommodations.