Schools try new strategies in cell phone wars

Cell phones are banned in the New York City schools, but elsewhere, EdWeek reports, frustrated school officials are trying new tactics.

One Minnesota school lets students use their phones, just not during class. Another may soon require students to leave their silenced cell phones on their desks, where they can be easily monitored, presumably to prevent distractions and cheating by text message.

In light of the many ways students try to avoid detection, I wonder whether they will all own up to having phones and display them, or whether they’ll claim not to and keep right on texting?

“It’s obvious to teachers, but (students) put binders up a little higher, they put their purse in a certain spot, they can text from the side, from the hip — there’s a lot of different ways.” It also helps that Flynn and many students are so proficient they can text without looking at their phones.

The student’s comment that “it’s obvious to teachers” rings true to me. A good teacher who is alert to what’s happening in the classroom will quickly spot most students thanks to odd posture or divided attention.

About our First Person series:

First Person is where Chalkbeat features personal essays by educators, students, parents, and others trying to improve public education. Read our submission guidelines here.