For THE PAPER
In response to growing concerns from local parents and educators about excessive screen time, the Burke County Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution Monday (June 16th) to “strongly recommend” that teachers prioritize traditional paper-and-pencil instruction in classrooms.
The 11-paragraph resolution states that the Burke public school system “will prioritize investments in physical learning materials, including printed textbooks, notebooks, and writing supplies, and will provide professional development to educators on maximizing the effectiveness of traditional instruction methods.”
The resolution concludes that the board “encourages the responsible and limited use of digital devices, reserving screen time for activities where technology offers clear, evidence-based instructional advantages.”
Chairwoman Tiana Beachler said the resolution, titled “A Resolution Encouraging Balanced Instruction Through Reduced Screen Use,” is the first in the state to adopt such a stance.
“We’re not anti-technology,” Beachler said. “We’ve heard concerns from parents and educators regarding the negative effects of excessive screen time. Keeping our kids’ mental health and physical health in mind, I think it’s worthy that we start moving back toward paper and pencil instruction where we can and where appropriate.”
Burke County Schools Public Information Officer Cheryl Shuffler clarified the resolution isn’t a mandate but a firm guideline to encourage a balanced integration of technology and traditional methods.
“Our goal is to encourage a balanced approach that integrates both technology and traditional tools like pencil, paper, and books,” Shuffler stated. adding that resources and training will be provided to educators.
The action generated swift outpouring of support from parents and educators.
“Thank you from a very grateful teacher!” wrote Tiffany Fowler in a post. “… Students need to slow down and work out their problems and pay attention to the process, as opposed to hurry and click an answer.”
“As a tutor for BCPS for the past few years, I have seen first hand the damage all the computer time has done to students,” Teresa A. Jacumin posted. “When they have access to Google 24/7 they do not learn basic math facts, can’t spell or write a complete sentence and they have lost the love for reading.”
Board member Sonya Rockett said the action was timely. “I think it is highly commendable of this board,” she said. “I think this resolution is way past due. … Our children are more important than making sure we keep up with the latest technology,” she continued. “Whatever it takes to give them the best education possible, I think that recognizing that’s not always the highest technology.”
Board member Leslie Taylor said, “This is in no way looking to regress where we have grown in the areas of technology when it comes to those students being able to apply what they’ve learned in technology in the workforce, (and) in college. … We are putting the discretion and the management of that in the hands of our teachers. If they read from an actual book and not from a screen …, then so be it, and we support them for that.”
Shuffler said the resolution will not be formally enforced as a mandate, but that it reflects the board’s strong recommendation and commitment to best practices in instruction.
“Our goal is to encourage a balanced approach that integrates both technology and traditional tools like pencil, paper, and books,” Shuffler noted. “This resolution will guide professional conversations, inform classroom strategies, and shape ongoing professional development. We will support our educators with training and resources on how to thoughtfully incorporate technology while also preserving the benefits of hands-on, tactile learning experiences.”
Sandra Wilkerson Queen is the arts & entertainment editor. She may be reached at 828-445-8595, ext. 2002, or sandra@thepaper.media.