Latest news with #DistrictofColumbiaPublicSchools
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
DC Public Schools to ban cell phone use starting in 2025-26 school year
WASHINGTON () — District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is continuing to take steps toward banning phones inside its schools. The school division announced Friday that all phones and mobile devices will no longer be allowed in the classroom. The policy will go into effect during the fall of the 2025-26 school year. This means that all phones must be turned off and stored away throughout the school day. All middle schools and several high schools have already begun implementing the policy, and DCPS noted they are seeing positive changes. 'Piloting a phone-free program in our middle schools demonstrated that storing students' personal devices throughout the school day enriches academic, social, and emotional learning,' said DCPS Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. 'From increased classroom engagement to reduced anxiety and stronger student relationships — DCPS is ready to scale the program so we can keep driving outcomes that positively impact our students.' Fairfax County Public Schools defends new cell phone policy as some question whether it complies with law Despite the new policy, the school district will continue to utilize school-issued devices to integrate technology into a learning experience, and engage students in lessons related to digital literacy. DCPS said that while technology provides learning opportunities, significant challenges arise when it comes to cell phones being present in classrooms. School officials noted that growing research revealed that an increase in smartphones has fueled youth mental health concerns, negatively affected concentration and worsened bullying to include cyber interactions. At least eight states have imposed bans on cell phone use in the classroom, including Florida, New York, Ohio and Virginia. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the Bell to Bell law, stating that there should be no phone usage from 'bell to bell,' as in 'after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal [bell] rings at the end of the school day.' It also includes 'lunch and time in between class periods.' Check for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National assessment shows DC schools improving in math, reading scores
WASHINGTON () — A national report card revealed that public schools across Washington, D.C. are improving in math and reading. Data released from the report reflected that D.C. students tied with Delaware for the greatest improvement in math across the nation. Students in fourth and eighth grade also showed improvement, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (), and are out-pacing national trends when it comes to math and reading. 'We have fewer students who are performing at the lowest levels. We have more students performing at proficiency levels, and we are excited that our recovery investments are paying off,' said , DC Deputy Mayor of Education. Bill introduced to prohibit cell phones in DC schools Comparing the progress from 2022 to 2024, there was a 9-percentage point improvement in math scores for 4th graders and a 3-percentage point improvement for 8th graders at or above proficiency. When it comes to reading results, the report revealed a 1-percentage point increase for 4th-grade reading and a 2-percentage point increase for 8th-graders at or above proficiency levels. Additionally, the NAEP results demonstrated that Hispanic students outperformed nationally in 4th-grade reading. School leaders said the pandemic played a huge role in student learning, and so far students are performing at pre-pandemic levels in everything except 8th-grade math. 'We believe that some of the hands-on, in-person learning experiences that you need for math skill development were truly missed. And so that will continue to be a focus for us, especially knowing that we want more of our students to be taking advanced math courses as well, in preparation for their post-secondary journey,' said , Chancellor for District of Columbia Public Schools Childcare consultants see rising demand for au pairs as federal workers return to office They plan to tackle this mission through recommendations from their math task force, offering math certificates for teachers and engaging families. 'We're trying to bridge the gap from what we call old math and new math, with families so families can be more supportive, with math concepts at home,' said Ferebee. School leaders said they're proud to know that 4th grade math tied for the biggest improvement in the country and they hope to see the same for all levels. 'We're very very pleased to feel as though we are on exactly the right path. This is not a call for us to change course. This is a call for us to do more,' said Kihn. School leaders added that high-impact tutoring and support for professional development are a few of the many strategies they will continue to practice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
