As the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) begins the 2026–27 school year, the district is taking a more deliberate approach to instructional technology, including a temporary pause on new software and subscription purchases, expanded restrictions on social media access and the disabling of direct YouTube access on district-issued devices for students in pre-K through grade 8.
MMSD has paused the onboarding of third-party software vendors and new digital subscriptions while the district conducts a comprehensive review of its technology ecosystem. The review will focus on instructional value, data privacy, equity, redundancy and responsible use of district resources. Core learning platforms will remain available on existing student devices.
"Technology should serve a clear instructional purpose and strengthen the work happening between students and educators," said Deputy Superintendent Dr. TJ McCray. "This pause gives us an opportunity to take a careful look at the tools we are using, determine what is most valuable for student learning and make thoughtful decisions about future investments."
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MMSD Chromebooks and lab devices currently block access to YouTube (for grades kindergarten through eight) and social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok, X, Messenger and Instagram. Beginning this school year, these platforms will also be restricted on the MMSD Guest network from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Direct access to YouTube also will be disabled on district-issued student devices for students in pre-K through grade 8. Teachers will continue to use approved educational video content by embedding links in instructional platforms such as Google Classroom and Google Slides. High school YouTube settings will remain unchanged for the 2026–27 school year to avoid curriculum disruptions, though site usage will be monitored to determine whether changes are needed.
"Our educators have invested significant time in learning how to use digital tools in ways that support strong instruction," McCray said. "As we make these adjustments, we are focused on reducing distractions while preserving the technology and digital learning opportunities that meaningfully contribute to student learning."
The technology changes are part of a broader revision of MMSD’s district technology plan. A cross-functional committee will begin its work this month, with opportunities for students, families, educators and community partners to provide input through listening sessions and surveys. The district expects to complete a draft of the revised plan by January 2027 and present it to the Board of Education in April 2027.
Additional information about opportunities to participate in the technology plan revision process will be shared as the work gets underway. In addition to the listening sessions and surveys, district families are encouraged to share their thoughts via MMSD’s Let’s Talk platform.
