State Board of Education approves cell phone model policy resolution at quarterly meeting

While conducting its quarterly meeting last week at Mat-Su Central School, the State Board of Education proposed and adopted a resolution charging the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) with the development and presentation of a comprehensive model policy limiting the use of cellular phones and other electronic communication devices during class hours in Alaska’s schools.

According to a press release, this resolution was proposed in the interest of fostering an environment conducive to learning, safety, and the holistic development of students, supported by substantial research demonstrating the positive impact of restricting cellular device usage during school hours.

“Research has demonstrated that there are clear improvements in student learning when cell phones are not allowed in class,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I applaud the State Board of Education for advancing this resolution, and I hope all of Alaska’s local school boards seriously consider updating school cell phone policies to improve student learning.”

"Limiting cell phone use in schools isn't just about setting rules—it's about creating a collective commitment to the health, safety, and achievement of Alaska's youth. Leaving this to individual teachers or families sets them up for failure—in the ever-present social media world, supporting one message about the focus of learning and engagement in schools will matter most in supporting our young people," DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop said.

The resolution comes nearly a month after three schools in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District began requiring students to secure their phones the moment they step into school until they leave.

“Cellphones distract children. All the research says that if there’s a cellphone distraction during class…it takes 20 minutes to refocus, and that’s time lost learning,” said Palmer High School Principal David Booth.

For Booth, it is also about maintaining the students’ mental well-being, saying, “There’s an unbelievable wealth of evidence out there that (shows) the amount of hours that a child spends on their phone, most of the time using social media, it’s a direct correlation between the hours they’re using their phone and anxiety and depression.”

On Tuesday, October 8, the Board met in Wasilla at Mat-Su Central. The Board heard presentations on Generative AI in Education, toured Wasilla High School and Snowshoe Elementary School, and conducted committee meetings.

On Wednesday, October 9, the Board met again at Mat-Su Central. New member Kimberly Bergey was sworn in. The Board heard committee reports and received updates on the following: the Office of Education Advocacy, Alaska Reads Act Highlights, Teacher Recruitment and Retention, and Legislative and Budget Updates. Additional presentations were provided from the Mat-Su Borough School District, the Student Representative to the School Board, and on Regulations for Social Studies.

"We had two very good days of meetings. The professional development time was well spent with school tours of Wasilla High School’s CTE programs and Snowshoe Elementary’s reading progress. It was a highlight to be read to by a first-grade student, and to see Heggerty [a phonemic awareness and phonics program] put into action by exceptional teachers. I’m looking forward to reviewing the guidance developed by DEED on cell phone restrictions during school time. A big thank you to Mat Su Central for hosting us and to Mat Su’s Nutrition Services for delicious meals," said Second Vice-Chair Lorri Van Diest in a press release.

The Board’s next scheduled meeting is a virtual meeting to hear the Commissioner's Report on December 5, 2024.