A bipartisan bill in the Iowa House would limit digital instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms to 60 minutes a day. There would be some exceptions for things like computer science instruction or math and reading programs on laptops or tablets that are tailored for a student’s individual use. Representative Samatha Fett, a Republican from Carlisle who’s co-sponsoring the legislation, says the bill is meant to refocus schools on what’s best for elementary school students.
Representative Heather Matson, a Democrat from Ankeny, is the bill’s other co-sponsor.
The Iowa State Education Association, the union for Iowa school teachers, supports the bill. Melissa Peterson, a lobbyist for the group, says in-person interactions between teachers and students promote critical life skills.
Deb Davis, a former member of the Johnston School Board, says when computers were introduced in classrooms, she and others believed they were equipping students for the future.
The on-line academies for Iowa students are asking for an exemption from the bill since students spend their entire school day on a computer. Groups representing urban and rural districts say the bill needs modifications to ensure districts don’t have to buy textbooks and may continue to use laptops and tablets that have the same material. The bill cleared a House subcommittee Tuesday morning. Representative Jeff Shipley, a Republican from Birmingham, says limiting screen time in school is important.
The bill may be considered in the House Education Committee this week.
