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Q&A
Implementation and flexibility of the cell phone ban in schools
3:44:50
·
116 sec
Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos discusses the implementation approach for the cell phone ban, emphasizing flexibility and context-specific solutions for different schools.
- The language of the ban allows for flexibility in implementation
- Schools will have options such as collection, storage, or magnetic pouches
- Superintendents and principals will be involved in decision-making
- Many schools already have some form of restrictive policy in place
- The ban applies to various devices that connect to the internet, including laptops, tablets, and smart watches
Melissa Aviles-Ramos
3:44:50
So, we are excited about the flexibility in the language because in this great large school system, we continue to stress that one size does not fit all.
3:44:59
I was principal, collected cell phones, 400 cell phones.
3:45:03
Definitely don't suggest that some of my schools, I have 4,000 kids, collect cell phones.
3:45:08
Right?
3:45:08
And so there is a restriction bell to bell, but it doesn't say that school schools have to collect, and so that is great.
3:45:15
We are working on updating our regulation, where needed because, again, we wanna make sure that schools are empowered to make the best decision.
3:45:24
That being said, it is not just reliance upon SLT because this is no longer an option, and so working very, very closely with superintendents and principals, identifying those best practices, whether it is collection or it is simply storing away, whatever model works best for the school, but obviously superintendents and principals are going to need some support although a great number of our schools already have some sort of a restrictive restriction policy in place.
Rita Joseph
3:45:57
The state policy outlined that any device that connects to the Internet include laptop, tablets, smart watches, band as well.
3:46:04
How will DOE implement that aspect of the ban?
Melissa Aviles-Ramos
3:46:07
Again, all based on the context of the school.
3:46:11
If it's a locker, if it's one of the magnetic pouches, if it's collection, those are all the things that we need to outline as some of the best practices.
3:46:20
Again, when I collected, the bags were getting bigger and bigger because as the devices got more sophisticated, I just took it all.
3:46:27
But we know that's not going to be the case for every single school.
3:46:30
And so relying on those best practices and hearing not only from the principals, but also from the teachers, the students, and the families themselves and figuring out which are the best models that we can put forth for the individual schools and districts.