Latest news with #classroomdistractions
CBS News
4 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Cedar Hill ISD implements new cellphone policy for 2025-26 school year
North Texas school districts look for ways to curb cellphone use North Texas school districts look for ways to curb cellphone use North Texas school districts look for ways to curb cellphone use Another North Texas school district is making an effort to keep cellphones out of its classrooms. Cedar Hill ISD announced on Tuesday it will implement a new personal electronic communications policy starting this upcoming school year, 2025-26. CHISD said the goal with the policy is to increase scholar focus, reduce classroom distractions and enhance academic engagement across all grade levels. "As a board, we believe the new guidelines will limit distractions and disruptions to the learning process, which can frequently be caused by cellphone usage," said Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees President Dr. Denise Roache-Davis. "Our goal is to foster focused learning environments where every scholar is fully engaged. By limiting distractions, we are making space for deeper learning, collaboration, and academic growth." The policy states personal devices must be stored off during instruction. Device usage is only allowed before and after school, with exceptions for medical needs or Dallas College course access, according to the school district. Devices that are confiscated should be picked up by a parent or guardian for a $15 administrative fee. CHISD said there is a graduated system of consequences in place for repeat incidents. CHISD said the effort is in alignment with House Bill 1481, passed by Texas lawmakers last year. It encourages school districts to limit the use of cellphones during instruction time to support a more focused academic environment. CHISD students go back to class on Aug. 11.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Baltimore County schools test cellphone restrictions to curb classroom distractions
Seventeen Baltimore County public schools are taking part in a pilot program aimed at teaching responsible cellphone use and limiting distractions in the classroom. The program limits phone access during class time to reduce distractions and help students stay focused, while allowing teachers to reclaim instructional time. Once class starts, the devices are tucked away in pouches. "I will admit, I was a little nervous at the start of the school year, not knowing how it was going to unfold," said Sparrows Point High School Principal Emily Caster. The pilot program results will inform a new systemwide digital-use policy being developed this summer. It will go into effect next school year as Baltimore County schools join a nationwide movement to help children focus in the classroom. Getting used to the cellphone pilot program Teachers and students were at first skeptical of the cellphone policy. "At first, the kids didn't really enjoy it," said Jennifer Bodis, a teacher at Sparrows Point High School. "You know, it's a change. They didn't love it." Some students admitted that the adjustment was challenging. "Oh my God, my phone is getting blown up, I can hear the text messages ringing in my brain," said Kayla Rachuba, a rising 10th grader. "It was very inconvenient because all of my friends had left," said Ava Green, a rising senior. "So I couldn't really be on my phone. All my friends are in college now." Routines eventually formed. Students socialize briefly before class, then store their phones when the bell rings. "In the first five minutes, you can socialize, but as soon as the bell rings, you should put your phone up in the pouches and class just starts," said Chloe Bloom, a rising 11th grader. Change in classroom culture The cellphone restriction has been profound for the teachers. "On the most basic level, it just returns the focus to teaching and learning," Caster said. Bodis said that classroom culture has changed. "My class used to be very, very noisy," she said. "Then there was a time when you didn't hear the kids, and now the noise is back. It's good noise. It's productive noise." Spanish teacher Ashley Dauses noticed that the cellphone policy adds more to the students' social aspect, along with academic improvement. "It's really built up this sense of interpersonal communication skills," Dauses said. "And it's going to take them far in life." Results are showing While teachers appreciate the newfound focus, students are also starting to see results. "Look at all the missing assignments you don't have this quarter," Bodis said. "They've seen the benefit in that, and that's been great." Green said her academic performance improved. "My GPA actually got much better," she said. "I applied for more college classes. So I'm more focused on my college now, instead of on my phone worrying about Twitter."
