Long Beach Administrator Highlights the Benefits of Instructional Technology

As conversations about classroom technology continue nationwide, a new op-ed published in Mississippi Today highlights the importance of distinguishing between passive screen time and purposeful instructional technology in schools.

The op-ed, authored by Kelleigh Reynolds Broussard, assistant superintendent of Mississippi’s top-ranked Long Beach School District, draws on her experience leading the curriculum in one of the state’s highest-performing districts to explain how education technology can support both students and educators in the classroom. She explains that tools like i-Ready® have helped support stronger student outcomes in Long Beach by enabling educators to identify learning gaps, personalize instruction, and monitor student progress.

Broussard emphasizes that instructional technology is most effective when used intentionally alongside strong teaching. Rather than replacing educators, she stresses that these tools can serve as an invaluable resource that strengthens instruction and supports student growth.

As policymakers and education leaders continue to evaluate the role of technology in schools, the op-ed adds to a broader conversation about how education technology should be assessed, not by its presence in the classroom, but by its impact on teaching and learning.

Mississippi Today: Long Beach administrator says virtual learning one of keys to school district’s success

By Kelleigh Reynolds Broussard
June 30, 2026

Editor’s note: The views expressed in this article are solely the opinion of the author and do not reflect the official views, policies or positions of Long Beach School District or its Board of Education. Mississippi Today Ideas is a platform for thoughtful Mississippians to share their ideas about our state’s past, present and future. Opinions expressed in guest essays are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of Mississippi Today.

There is an important difference between passive screen time and purposeful instructional technology, or virtual learning, that is getting lost within the current debate about tech in schools. As educators, we absolutely support thoughtful limits on student screen use, especially for younger learners.

At the same time, we must be careful not to adopt an all-or-nothing mindset that removes effective tools from teachers’ hands.

Many purposeful instructional technology programs, like i-Ready, were never intended to replace classroom instruction or the expertise of teachers.

In our district, the Long Beach School District, purposeful instructional technology is used as a valuable resource, a tool that supports instruction, helps monitor student progress and provides educators with meaningful data to better meet students’ needs. It does not dictate the instructional day, nor should it.

When used responsibly and within recommended timeframes, personalized instructional tools can strengthen teaching and help educators target interventions more effectively. Many purposeful instructional technology programs recommend approximately 45 minutes of instructional use per week, not hours of daily independent screen engagement. That distinction matters and it leaves ample time for classroom instruction.

As a society, we are often quick to react in extremes. While concerns about excessive or unproductive screen time are valid, we should avoid “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.” The conversation should not be about eliminating technology altogether, but about using it intentionally, in balance with strong Tier I instruction, teacher-led learning, collaboration, and meaningful classroom experiences.

Our responsibility as educators is to use every available resource wisely and thoughtfully in service of student learning. Technology should support great teaching—not replace it—and when implemented with fidelity and balance, it can be a valuable part of helping students grow.

Hence, part of our district’s success has come from being intentional about how we use instructional tools. As the No. 1 school district in Mississippi, we have leveraged data from purposeful instructional technology to better identify student needs, personalize support, and monitor growth over time.

We have seen tremendous results. Over the past four years, our students have been consistent in growth for both reading and math, showing proficiency across subjects. Students we saw struggling in the classroom, previously multiple grades behind across subjects, are now catching up to their peers.

Used appropriately and in balance with strong classroom teachers, purposeful instructional technology, or virtual learning, has been an invaluable resource for our educators and students, and it is one we plan to continue to use as part of sustaining our success.

Kelleigh Reynolds Broussard serves as assistant superintendent of the Long Beach School District, Mississippi’s No. 1-rated school district, where she provides leadership for curriculum and instruction, execution of strategic planning goals, accountability, professional development, special education, early childhood education, alternative education, dropout prevention, educator recruitment/retention, and instructional improvement initiatives. Long Beach has earned the 2025 National ESEA Distinguished School Award and achieved A ratings across all schools through the implementation of innovative systems focused on continuous improvement and student achievement. She is the recipient of the 2026 Mississippi Association of Colleges for Teachers excellence award and William Carey University outstanding administrator of the year.

About Curriculum Associates
Curriculum Associates is a mission-driven company dedicated to making Grades K–12 classrooms better for more than 17 million students and one million educators nationwide. The company's connected suite of i-Ready® solutions unites adaptive assessment, personalized instruction, and core curriculum in English language arts and mathematics—supported by expert professional learning and service teams—alongside Ellevation for multilingual learners and Stile Education® for middle school science. Through its innovation hub, AI Labs, Curriculum Associates designs forward-looking technologies educators can trust. The company measures success by the impact it makes on student outcomes and is honored to support the extraordinary work of teachers every day.

Media Contact: Jennifer Seabolt, jenn@teakmedia.com