K-12 Technology Quick Reference Guide
Human-Centered Instructional Priorities
TCSD’s instructional priorities include cooperative learning, structured conversations, vocabulary instruction, questioning that promotes critical thinking, clear language and content objectives, and the application of knowledge and life long skills.
TESTING: Required State of Wyoming testing administered on iPads and computers at all grade levels.
APP REVIEW, PRIVACY, AND FILTERING: Every district-approved app is reviewed for instructional purpose, student data privacy, age appropriateness, security and accessibility. Internet filters are applied by grade levels. Violations of acceptable use policies are reported automatically. Student devices are filtered with the same policies whether at school or at home.
AI: TCSD supports Gemini for Education through district-managed Google accounts. Includes added privacy safeguards to protect student and staff data and prevent its use for advertising. K–5 student access is restricted. TCSD is expanding AI education for students and staff which includes responsible use, privacy, bias, source evaluation, and academic integrity. AI supports the increase in human centered teaching and learning, as it can assist in completion of technical tasks, thus providing more time for face to face learning.
Grades K-5
Instructional
Apps are selected to give students personalized and adaptive practice in vocabulary, foundational reading skills, math facts, and fluency. Programs adjust to each student’s pace and give teachers the feedback needed to target support.
*Grades K–2: Most common used apps: Dreambox Math, Facts and Fracts, Imagine Learning Language & Literacy, Lexia Core 5 Literacy.
*Grades 3–5: Most common used apps: Facts and Fracts, Lexia Core 5 Literacy, IXL
*Additional apps may be approved by the district when a student’s individualized learning needs call for them.
Updated! K–5 technology usage guidelines
K-2 approx 20–40 minutes; Grades 3-5 approx 45 minutes. Testing and individual learning accommodations may add time to these targets.
Device access at home
iPads stay at school and do not go home.
Teachers may grant an individual student an exception — for example, to finish a special project or make up work after an extended absence or illness.
YouTube
Blocked for student use.
Personal Device
Powered off, kept in backpack during the school day. No use during class, lunch or recess. May be used during after school programs.
Grades 6th-8th
Instructional
The middle school intentionally balances technology with discussion, collaboration, hands-on learning, reading, writing, movement, and other screen-free experiences.
Technology supports learning; it does not replace high-quality instruction and student interaction.
Device access at home
iPads stay at school and do not go home. Teachers may grant an exception to finish a special project or make up work after an extended absence or illness.
YouTube
Teahcer directed and supervised use only. Students do not independently access or browse YouTube during the school day.
Personal Device
Powered off, kept in backpack during the school day. If the device is out and turned on, the device is taken to the front office and checked back out at the end of the school day.
Grades 9-12
Instructural
Technology is used when it enhances or contributes to student learning and student engagement.
High school staff aim for a balanced, intentional student experience with technology, using it as a tool to enhance learning and how students apply what they learn.
Canvas serves as the high school level learning management system (LMS), organizing assignments, feedback, class information and announcements.
PowerSchool serves as the primary location to view updated student grades.
Device access at home
Students keep their school-issued device with them during the school day and take it home each day.
YouTube
Teacher directed and supervised use only. Students do not independently access or browse YouTube during the school day.
Personal device
Device is kept in wall pockets in all classes. Attendance is take from the pockets.
Students are free to use devices between classes and at lunch. Smartwatches in the wall pocket if they become a distraction.