Back to basics: Looking into why Metro Detroit school chooses not to teach with technology

April 11, 2026 - 04:22

In an era where classrooms are increasingly saturated with tablets and smartboards, one Metro Detroit school is taking a decidedly different path. Choosing to forgo educational technology in its youngest grades, the institution is returning to phonics-based instruction, physical books, and hands-on materials.

This decision unfolds against a sobering statewide backdrop. Michigan currently ranks 44th in the nation in reading proficiency. Recent assessments reveal that only four in ten fourth-grade students are reading at their grade level. Furthermore, over 60% of third graders did not pass the state's standardized reading exam.

School administrators point to these statistics as a driving force behind their traditional approach. They argue that foundational literacy skills are best built through direct instruction and tangible interaction, without the potential distractions of screens. The focus is on deep reading comprehension, penmanship, and sustained attention—skills educators believe are fostered by turning physical pages and writing on paper.

Parents report observing marked improvements in their children’s focus and a growing love for story time. While not dismissing technology’s eventual role, the school posits that a strong, screen-free foundation in the early years is critical for future academic success, aiming to reverse the troubling trends in literacy one student at a time.