Education
BY CHLOE YOUNG
LTISD limits cellphone use
The impact
How it works Students who violate the policy will receive the following consequences: First offense A student’s device will be confiscated and may be picked up at the end of the school day.
LTISD’s new cellphone policy has improved students’ focus during class and supported teachers who previously spent much of their time managing student cellphone use, Keogh said. Previously, Hudson Bend Middle School allowed students to use their phones outside of class during lunch or passing periods, which made it difficult for teachers to restrict the use of cellphones. Some students would listen to music, watch videos, scroll social media platforms and text their peers during instruction, Superintendent Paul Norton said. “[The policy] has lifted some of the heaviness that comes with managing cellphones with kids,” Keogh said. “Teachers are able to focus more on instruc- tion, and kids are able to focus more on learning.” Since implementing the device policy, students
Lake Travis ISD officials said they have seen positive results from a new device policy. Since August, LTISD has prohibited students in grades pre-K-8 from using cellphones or other devices during school. LTISD’s School Health Advisory Committee recommended the policy after hearing concerns about distracted students and bullying due to phone use, SHAC co-Chair Jaclyn Tully said. The change models a 2018 Eanes ISD policy and comes as many districts across the nation are adopting new device restrictions. “Students have been so much more present and engaged with each other,” said Laura Keogh, Hudson Bend Middle School principal. “Our cafeteria is really loud now, but it’s a great loud. It’s happiness of kids enjoying their time together instead of being on devices.”
A student’s device will be confiscated until their parent picks it up at the end of the school day. A principal or assistant principal will determine the consequence, such as detention or in-school suspension.
Second offense
Third offense
have been more likely to interact with their peers and behave positively, Keogh said. Hudson Bend Middle School has seen less behavioral referrals and disagreements between students, she said.
Going forward
The district is no longer charging a $15 fine for students or parents to retrieve confiscated devices as it did in previous school years, said Marco Alvarado, executive director of communications and community relations. The district will continue to evaluate the new device policy this school year and may consider updating its guidelines for high school students next school year, Norton said. “I’m very appreciative of the support that we’ve received from our parents in the community,” Norton said. “The parents supporting the policy I think has made a huge positive difference in how well it’s been implemented.”
LTISD has seen a smooth implementation of the policy this school year with positive feedback from parents and staff members, Norton said. Although the district has confiscated a “decent number” of devices so far, the number of confiscations has significantly decreased since the first two days of school. As of late September, staff had confiscated 45 devices at Hudson Bend Middle School and 50 at Lake Travis Middle School, according to LTISD data. Data was unavailable for other campuses as LTISD does not require schools to track confiscations, said Stephanie Clinton, LTISD public information request specialist.
The approach Districts in the area have adopted the following device policies.
Pre-K through eighth grade, no smart device use from entering campus to dismissal Campuses are allowed to set their own policies Pre-K through eighth grade, no personal device use from morning tardy bell to dismissal
Lake Travis ISD
Leander ISD
Eanes ISD
SOURCES: EANES ISD, LAKE TRAVIS ISD, LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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