Across the U.S., some districts and schools are reversing tech-first classroom policies after administrators concluded screen-based learning and even one-to-one devices can worsen distraction and reduce academic progress. One example described is McPherson Middle School in Kansas, which banned cell phones and later pulled Chromebook use for most instruction after administrators found students using devices for YouTube, games, and other non-academic activities. The report describes shifts toward laptops used only for teacher-assigned activities and a return to pen-and-paper note-taking. It also cites research from Maine’s earlier laptop initiative and international findings that frequent in-class computer use correlates with lower performance on math and science measures. For higher education technology offices and K–12 partnership programs feeding into college readiness, the story signals demand from stakeholders for clearer evidence on learning outcomes. It also underscores potential impacts on incoming cohorts’ digital habits and expectations for classroom instruction.