Amador County – The Amador County Unified School District board reviewed cell phone policies for students during their meeting Wednesday night, resulting in an agreement to revisit the existing policy for further review.
The issue was raised by school board member Dr. David Dutra, who proposed a policy that would remove mobile phones from the classroom completely because he believes they negatively impact student productivity. He also expressed concerns over “sexting” and cyber-bullying. “Sexting” refers to the act of sending sexually explicit material electronically, usually via cell phone. The growing ability for minors to harass one another or easily access obscene or inappropriate material through their phones has prompted legislation in several states across the country. Dutra said his biggest concern was for students at the high school level. He recalled stories he has heard about students with Iphones downloading answers to test materials while claiming they are only listening to music. “Of course, all this could be stopped if we were to turn our teachers into patrol officers…but their job is to teach,” he said. In attendance were a number of teachers and administrators from different schools who reported on what impacts the growing cell phone culture has made on student learning and productivity. In general, they said the culture has increased dramatically but has not reached a point where a new policy is needed. One teacher said “it’s to the point where it seems every student I see has a phone these days.” ACUSD Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Chapin-Pinotti said the phone culture is something to embrace, because the rapid expansion of technology means that “in 5 to ten years, that will be their backpack.” She suggested using technology to the school’s advantage and giving some tests electronically by using a special password to access information. One principal said the best way to combat the sexting and bullying phenomena is by continuing programs that highlight there negative impacts. Dutra asked for a “happy medium” by requiring no cell phones during tests. The principals in attendance will take the information back to teachers at their respective schools then return to the board with their recommendations. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Friday, 12 March 2010 01:26
ACUSD Reviews School Cell Phone Policy
Amador County – The Amador County Unified School District board reviewed cell phone policies for students during their meeting Wednesday night, resulting in an agreement to revisit the existing policy for further review.
The issue was raised by school board member Dr. David Dutra, who proposed a policy that would remove mobile phones from the classroom completely because he believes they negatively impact student productivity. He also expressed concerns over “sexting” and cyber-bullying. “Sexting” refers to the act of sending sexually explicit material electronically, usually via cell phone. The growing ability for minors to harass one another or easily access obscene or inappropriate material through their phones has prompted legislation in several states across the country. Dutra said his biggest concern was for students at the high school level. He recalled stories he has heard about students with Iphones downloading answers to test materials while claiming they are only listening to music. “Of course, all this could be stopped if we were to turn our teachers into patrol officers…but their job is to teach,” he said. In attendance were a number of teachers and administrators from different schools who reported on what impacts the growing cell phone culture has made on student learning and productivity. In general, they said the culture has increased dramatically but has not reached a point where a new policy is needed. One teacher said “it’s to the point where it seems every student I see has a phone these days.” ACUSD Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Chapin-Pinotti said the phone culture is something to embrace, because the rapid expansion of technology means that “in 5 to ten years, that will be their backpack.” She suggested using technology to the school’s advantage and giving some tests electronically by using a special password to access information. One principal said the best way to combat the sexting and bullying phenomena is by continuing programs that highlight there negative impacts. Dutra asked for a “happy medium” by requiring no cell phones during tests. The principals in attendance will take the information back to teachers at their respective schools then return to the board with their recommendations. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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