Rethinking Screens,
Supporting Learning
Join CLASS Harvard in advocating for less screens in the Harvard Public Schools, and more high quality learning and social development opportunities for our students.
What's CLASS Harvard?
CLASS (Community-Led Advocacy for Screen Sense) Harvard is a group of parents and community members who advocate for proactive, research-driven decisions around screen use in our schools, ensuring that learning foundations and student well-being remain the priority in our evolving digital world.
The Problem
Today, the use of EdTech, devices (iPads), and short-form video content, i.e. screens, undercuts educational and social development outcomes for students, as expressed in the Vision and Mission statement of the Harvard Public Schools.
Our Opportunity
With the growing body of research on the role screens have played in declining educational outcomes and harms to child and adolescent wellbeing, and bipartisan government support and action, the time is right for our district to rethink the way screens are used in our schools.
We Believe In
The Best Possible Learning Outcomes for Students
Based on longitudinal research, this can be promoted by practices such as appropriate friction in learning new concepts, and emphasis on writing by hand.
The intentional use of technology in Harvard Public Schools.
This includes not using EdTech for pedagogy unless required for special individual cases, never using iPad time as a “reward” for students finishing work, never filling time or managing behavior with screens, and more consistency across grades and classrooms.
Accountability and transparency from School Administration
This includes a comprehensive grade-level view, and structure for regular evaluation of practices. Additionally, sharing the consistent standards for how teachers monitor student device usage in class, and options for parents to opt-out of screen use for their students.
More time working with people, not screens
Promoting social development through prioritizing face-to-face collaboration and work with teachers and fellow students.
Smart Spending
Over time, reallocating money in the school budget away from technology, and towards classroom educators.
Fostering deep thinking and deep work.
Enabling the development of student attention spans through limiting and eliminating the use of devices and short-form video content in the classroom.
Community Commitment to Supporting Classroom Change
Reducing the burden on the teachers by engaging classroom volunteers to help copy, collate, and hand out materials.
Preparing students for the future.
Focusing on the skills students need for tomorrow, not tech that will soon become outdated. We need to prepare our students for the future by teaching them foundational knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and social skills that will help them navigate whatever is next.
Partnership between parents and educators
When we work together we can create schools that truly serve the best interests of our students — today and for the future. Our small district has the power to change and lead the way on these critical issues.
We're not making this stuff up
Great news: there's tons of research and resources to learn more about the impact of screens on educational and social outcomes. And, there's legislative support at the state and federal levels on these issues. We've gathered resources on this and more!
Join Us
Want in? We'd love for you to join us, and contribute your ideas and support. Just fill out the form and we'll be in touch.
Or just send an email
hello@classharvard.org