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Bill

A 5292

Requires guidelines on use of instructional technology to be developed by DOE and policy to be adopted by governing body of public school.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Sauickie

Requires guidelines for K-12 instructional technology to balance use with teacher-led learning, protect privacy, and have each district adopt aligned policies.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5292

Overview

A5292 would require the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) to develop guidelines on the use of instructional technology in K-12 public schools and compel boards of education to adopt policies governing the use of instructional technology during regular school hours. The bill emphasizes developmentally appropriate, teacher-led, and outcomes-focused integration of technology, with attention to student well-being, privacy, and equity.

Purpose and intent

  • Promote developmentally appropriate, balanced use of instructional technology in schools.
  • Ensure technology enhances instruction rather than replacing teacher-led activities.
  • Increase transparency for families and educators about how digital tools are used during the school day.
  • Provide a framework for evaluating, implementing, and communicating about instructional technology in a way that supports learning outcomes and student well-being.

Key provisions

  1. Guidelines development

    • The Commissioner of Education must create guidelines for grades K–12.
    • Guidelines to be issued within 90 days after enactment.
    • Guidelines must address: age- and grade-appropriate usage, integration with high-quality instruction, evaluation of technology, student privacy, and professional development.

  2. Guiding principles within the guidelines

    • Prioritize teacher-led instruction; technology should supplement, not replace, direct instruction, discussion, collaborative learning, reading, writing, hands-on activities, and other evidence-based practices.
    • Ensure technology is used for clearly defined educational purposes and aligned with learning goals and student engagement.
    • Include evaluation processes for technology’s accuracy, usability, developmental appropriateness, and effectiveness.
    • Consider impacts on attention, cognitive load, mental health, social interaction, physical well-being, digital safety, and healthy technology habits.
    • Promote student learning and well-being; align with existing guidelines on internet-enabled devices and accommodations for students with disabilities.

  3. Scope and inclusions

    • May include best practices, grade-level examples, digital citizenship resources, guidance on emerging technologies, and family communication resources.
    • May offer model policies for boards to adapt.

  4. Policy requirement for school boards

    • Each board of education must adopt a policy on the use of instructional technology during regular school hours.
    • Policies must align with DOE guidelines and be revisable with input from teachers, administrators, staff, parents, guardians, and students where appropriate.

  5. Protections and limitations

    • Guidelines cannot prohibit instructional technology.
    • No mandated screen-time limits.
    • No requirement to adopt any specific technology platform or curriculum.
    • No prohibition on necessary technology for IEPs, 504 plans, or required statewide assessments.

  6. Local discretion

    • Boards retain discretion to tailor policies to their communities, and guidelines do not prevent reasonable accommodations for education purposes.

  7. Effective date

    • Takes effect immediately and applies to the second full school year after enactment.

Who is affected

  • DOE and the Commissioner (guideline development and oversight).
  • Boards of education (policy adoption and ongoing revisions).
  • Students in grades K–12, families, teachers, school leaders, instructional staff, technology personnel, and related stakeholders who engage with instructional technology in schools.

Timeline

  • Guidelines due within 90 days of enactment.
  • Policy adoption required for the regular school hours using the guidelines (timing anchored to the second full school year after enactment).
  • Ongoing updates to policies as guided by stakeholder input.

Potential impacts

  • Provides a structured framework to balance technology use with traditional instructional methods.
  • Aims to protect student well-being and privacy while expanding access to digital resources.
  • Encourages transparency and collaboration among educators, families, and students.
  • Allows local flexibility to address district-specific needs and resources.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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