Schools Change Laptop Rules In Baltimore County: See Plan

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County Public Schools changed its policy on which students get a take-home laptop.

BCPS announced the news last week in a Facebook post that drew 340 comments with questions from families.

Parents wondered how the changes would affect virtual learning days and equitable technology access for homework. Supporters, however, liked the idea of saving take-home devices for older, more mature students. Others thought it would be beneficial to reduce screen time for kids.

On Wednesday, the school system briefed Patch on how each grade level will be affected.

"All students will still have access to devices in school," BCPS spokesperson Gboyinde Onijala told Patch in an email. "The ratio of devices has only been reduced for prekindergarten-second grade. The ratio of devices remains the same for grades 3-12."

Elementary schools will no longer have a laptop for every student. A reduced number of computers will be available during the school day. Devices will be kept at school.

"The only change in ratio is at the prekindergarten through 2nd grade levels," Onijala said. "However, it is important to note that there will be no disruption to the instructional program as a result of this change."

Middle school students will leave their laptops at school.

"Schools will have a process for elementary and middle school students to check out a device for home use when needed," Onijala said. "School administrators have begun communicating their school-specific plan with families. Families can contact their child’s school with any questions."

High schoolers will continue to take their devices to and from school.

Schools will follow the same guidelines, but principals have some leeway.

"Principals have the local authority and flexibility to utilize student devices in a manner that best suits the needs of their school community," Onijala said.

BCPS seems likely to continue its virtual learning plans next school year.

The school system builds three snow days into its calendar. Classes are canceled on those days.

Schools will pivot to online instruction on inclement weather days four and beyond. Classes will follow a two-hour delay schedule on these virtual days. The weather plan is outlined here.

"If those days are used and we must transition to virtual learning, all students will have access to the appropriate technology and/or learning materials needed to engage in instruction," Onijala said. "Schools will provide information regarding their instructional plans in advance of any closures."

Onijala said the changes are intended to save money, reduce the burden on younger students and follow a data-informed device plan.

"Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers highlighted information on research and feedback from stakeholders regarding the use of technology, provided updates on breakage rates in BCPS, and discussed cost-savings during the 2024-2025 school year," Onijala said. "The Division of Curriculum and Instruction, Division of Operations and the Division of Schools worked in partnership to develop an updated device allocation plan based on feedback, data, and to alleviate the stress of transporting devices to and from school for our youngest learners."