News : Update to Technology Use for K

Update to Technology Use in Kindergarten Through Second Grade

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.

Michael Starosky Assistant Superintendent of Academics Seattle Public Schools

Carlos Del Valle Assistant Superintendent Tech Optimization Seattle Public Schools

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.

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:

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

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:

Technology use will vary based on instructional goals.

Students will continue to engage in:

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Families will receive updates through: