Fairfax Co. expands cellphone storage pilot program to include 9 high schools – WTOP News

School Board to Pilot Cellphone Storage Program in High Schools

A week after Fairfax County Public Schools unveiled a cellphone storage pilot program for middle schoolers, school board members in the Virginia school district have announced that a similar program will be piloted in high schools.

Participating High Schools

Nine high schools have volunteered to participate in the program, according to School Board Member Kyle McDaniel. However, the full list of schools has not yet been made public. McDaniel is still waiting for the complete list. Justice and Falls Church high schools will be included, as mentioned in School Board Member Ricardy Anderson’s newsletter.

Cellphone Storage during Class Time

Under the program, students at the participating high schools will be required to place their cellphones in either a hanging pouch or storage locker during class time. However, they will still be allowed to use their phones during lunch and between classes, in accordance with the school division’s policy for older students.

Cracking Down on Cellphone Use

School districts across Virginia are taking measures to address students’ cellphone use, partly to comply with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order calling for “cellphone-free education” in public schools.

Pilot Program Development

The Fairfax County School Board directed Superintendent Michelle Reid to create a pilot program for the fall. The county has already announced that students at seven middle schools will use “Yondr” pouches to store their phones throughout the school day. The magnetic pouches will only be unlocked at the end of the day. It is worth noting that middle schools in the county already have a ban on cellphone use during school hours. Some educators were initially surprised that the pilot program did not include high schools.

Seeking Consistency and Feedback

The decision to pilot the program in nine high schools aims to establish consistency and determine the most effective method for cellphone storage. School Board Member Kyle McDaniel explained that the hanging pouch and storage locker options have received positive feedback from teachers, but there may be outliers who do not comply with the rules. The pilot program will provide an opportunity to gather feedback from teachers and administrators to identify the most effective tool.

Addressing Concerns

Since the announcement of the pilot program, the majority of people have expressed positive feedback. However, concerns have been raised regarding students who require cellphones for medical reasons or educational accommodations. School Board Member Kyle McDaniel assured that these cases would be exceptions to the storage rules, and the school staff is working to address these concerns, including safety considerations.

Communication during Class Time

According to the county’s website for the middle school program, anyone who needs to reach a student during class time can contact the front office.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Quality Education
2. Reduced Inequalities
3. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Conclusion

The pilot program for cellphone storage in high schools in Fairfax County is a step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, reduced inequalities, and promoting a conducive learning environment. By addressing the issue of cellphone use, the school district aims to create a distraction-free educational setting that benefits students and enhances their academic performance.

References:

• Fairfax County Public Schools – Cellphone Storage Pilot Program for Middle Schoolers
• School Board Member Ricardy Anderson’s Newsletter
• Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order – “Cellphone-Free Education” in Virginia
• Fairfax County Public Schools – Middle School Program Website

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the implementation of a cellphone storage pilot program in Fairfax County Public Schools to address the issue of cellphone use in schools. This is connected to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education by promoting a safe and conducive learning environment. It is also connected to SDG 11, as the program contributes to creating sustainable and inclusive cities by improving the learning environment in schools. Additionally, it is connected to SDG 16, as the program aims to establish rules and regulations to maintain order and discipline in schools.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
• SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
• SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

The specific targets identified in the article are related to SDG 4.5, as the cellphone storage program aims to provide equal access to education for all students by minimizing distractions caused by cellphone use. It also contributes to SDG 11.7 by creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for students. In terms of SDG 16.6, the program aims to establish effective rules and regulations in schools to ensure discipline and accountability.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of participating high schools in the cellphone storage pilot program
• Feedback from teachers and administrators on the effectiveness of different storage methods (hanging pouches or storage lockers)
• Level of positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents regarding the program
• Number of concerns raised and addressed regarding students who need cellphones for medical reasons or educational accommodations

The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The number of participating high schools in the cellphone storage pilot program can indicate the extent of implementation and adoption of the program. The feedback from teachers and administrators on the effectiveness of different storage methods can provide insights into the best practices for minimizing cellphone distractions. The level of positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents can indicate the overall satisfaction and acceptance of the program. Lastly, the number of concerns raised and addressed regarding students who need cellphones for medical reasons or educational accommodations can demonstrate the responsiveness and inclusiveness of the program.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wtop.com