An Alabama state commission this week heard recommendations aimed at addressing the role and impact of screen usage in classrooms across the state. The Commission on Screen-Based Instruction, established by Gov. Kay Ivey in July, convened to consider findings from experts and educators.
Presentations were given by White Board Advisors, a consulting firm based in Washington D.C., and the Screen Use Impact on Teachers subcommittee. The subcommittee shared results from a small survey of 61 K-12 teachers, which indicated that 67% of teachers are currently using screens in the classroom for assignments or practice. Additionally, 54% of surveyed teachers reported using devices for testing purposes.
Chris Jenks, a member of the commission and the technology director for Tuscaloosa City Schools, noted that Alabama has maintained or advanced achievement compared to other states. He attributed part of this success to the state’s assessment battery, many of which are delivered on screens.
The commission itself was created after Governor Ivey signed House Bill 78 into law during the 2026 regular legislative session. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeana Ross, a Republican from Guntersville, specifically establishes limits on screen usage for children up to five years old in licensed child care facilities. Rep. Ross also introduced House Bill 584, which sought to impose screen time limits on all public K-12 students. However, this broader bill did not advance through the Senate before the Legislature adjourned in April.
Discussions at the commission meeting also touched upon the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in education. Ben Wallerstein, chief executive officer and co-founder of Whiteboard Advisors, highlighted during his presentation that the terms associated with artificial intelligence can be unclear, potentially creating misunderstandings. Wallerstein suggested that when parents express concerns about AI in schools, they are likely thinking of applications such as students asking open-ended questions to AI models like Claude or ChatGPT, rather than machine learning used to differentiate between a new English speaker and a struggling reader.
Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, a Democrat representing Birmingham, emphasized the critical role of parental education and involvement in the commission's work. She stressed the importance of parents being informed and involved, stating they must be part of the process and understand the commission's objectives.
Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Ami Brooks echoed the sentiment regarding parental involvement and understanding. Brooks explained that her department has extensively discussed using language that respects parents and avoids shaming them, recognizing that all parents are striving to do their best. She noted that many parents provide children with phones and educational games, believing they are helping their child's development.
Secretary Brooks further advised the commission on the significance of fostering everyday interactions with young children. She cited examples such as parents in the car pointing out produce, explaining that these types of conversations are what build a child's brain, rather than passive screen engagement. Brooks underscored the importance of raising awareness about the "everyday interactions that are missed when you’re handing them a screen."
The Commission on Screen-Based Instruction is slated to deliver its final report and recommendations to Governor Ivey on December 1. The findings are expected to inform future state policies regarding technology use in Alabama’s educational settings, from early childhood to K-12 schools, impacting residents, parents, and educators across the Wiregrass and beyond.
