Broward County Public Schools is cutting hundreds of minutes of digital assessments and prohibiting AI chatbots for elementary students this year.
The changes come as BCPS launches Broward Powered by AI, a new online resource designed to give families information about how artificial intelligence is being implemented across the district.
The new policies, approved by the School Board on July 28, will take effect during the 2026-27 school year.
For students in VPK through first grade, BCPS says one-to-one device use will be limited. Devices may still be used for state-required testing, familiarization with testing platforms and approved accommodations or specialized support for students with special needs.
Daily instruction for those students will instead shift toward more teacher-led, hands-on and traditional learning experiences, according to the district.
Fewer Digital Assessments
Kindergarten and first-grade students will also see reductions in online testing.
BCPS plans to remove i-Ready online diagnostics, personalized pathways and related digital assessments in those grades. The district estimates the change will eliminate approximately 300 minutes of testing and screen exposure per grade during each school year.
BCPS says district-required testing across grades K-5 has already been reduced by more than 65%, falling from 2,385 minutes to 835 minutes.
Some digital programs, including Renaissance/STAR, can remain available when needed for state testing, testing-platform preparation or approved student accommodations.
AI Chatbots Not Allowed for Elementary Students
The School Board has also directed BCPS to prohibit AI chatbot use among elementary students and limit device use.
BCPS said it will continue developing its approach to artificial intelligence with safeguards, parent transparency and district policies governing how technology can be used for instruction.
The district is also reviewing specialized technology, AI, STEM, STEAM, museum-academy and magnet programs to determine whether exceptions, transition plans or program-specific guidance will be needed.
New Student Safety Monitoring
Another major change involves how BCPS monitors school-issued devices.
The district plans to implement software capable of identifying concerning student activity on school devices. Alerts will be sent in real time to the district’s Security Operations Center, allowing staff to respond to potential safety concerns.
New AI Website for Parents
The changes come alongside the launch of Broward Powered by AI, where parents can find approved AI tools, implementation updates, FAQs, district resources and opportunities to submit questions and feedback.
For families, BCPS says the overall goal is less screen time for younger children, fewer district-required assessments, clearer rules surrounding AI and digital tools, and continued support for students with special needs.
Families can learn more at BrowardSchools.ai.
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