New reporting highlights that the U.S. spent more than $30 billion rolling out laptops and tablets to schools, including an approach that began with Maine’s statewide laptop initiative. But neuroscientist testimony referenced in the piece argues Gen Z is scoring lower on standardized tests and ties worsening performance to increased screen exposure during school. The account cites written testimony by neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, arguing that evidence links higher computer time with worse test outcomes and that educational tool choices may not be aligned with how learning works. The issue is directly relevant for higher education because K–12 preparation drives college readiness, course placement, and remediation costs—especially in literacy and numeracy where universities already face pressure to improve student success outcomes.