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Wakefield committee to consider revised student handbook language on cell phones, AI and accommodations Aug. 26
Summary
School leaders reviewed proposed handbook changes on cell phones, earbuds, medical and disability accommodations, and acceptable use of AI, and agreed to return the drafts for committee vote on Aug. 26.
Wakefield School Committee — The School Committee discussed proposed revisions to student handbooks on Aug. 12 and agreed to bring the documents back for a committee vote at its Aug. 26 meeting after further edits and public availability of draft text.
Administrators and principals presented changes that would tighten cell phone expectations, prohibit earbuds and headphones “as much as possible,” and permit teacher‑directed device use for instructional activities. Amy McLeod, principal of the high school, and administrators said the committee’s policy subcommittee had reviewed the language and the district had consulted model language from the attorney general’s office to address parent communication and accommodations.
Committee members and administrators discussed how students who currently use phones for medical reasons or as an accommodation can transition under a new policy. Staff said there were no high school students who currently require a phone as an academic accommodation, but they acknowledged medical or anxiety‑related needs could arise. Administrators explained the process: families or staff would contact a special education coordinator, guidance counselor or the health office to reconvene a team; if the team agreed, the accommodation would be documented on an IEP or Section 504 plan.
On earbuds and headphones, administrators said the intent is to prohibit personal listening devices unless a teacher explicitly directs their use for instruction or a documented accommodation requires them. Committee members asked that handbook language state the intended exceptions explicitly rather than leaving the expectation to interpretation.
The committee also reviewed proposed acceptable‑use language for artificial intelligence. Administrators said the AI guidance grew from classroom practice and teacher input and aims to teach students responsible, instructional uses of AI while addressing misuse such as plagiarism. Staff recommended including the AI language in the handbook so it is communicated to families and students annually.
The committee asked that the draft handbook documents be included in the packet for the Aug. 26 meeting so the public can review them before the vote.
