Bill would require AOE model for bell‑to‑bell phone bans and bar schools from using social media to message students

Peter Coleman, chair of the House Education Committee, outlined on May 12 an amendment to H 54 that would direct the Vermont Agency of Education to create a model policy prohibiting student use of cell phones and non‑school issued personal electronic devices that connect to cellular networks, the internet or Bluetooth from arrival to dismissal, subject to limited exceptions.

"The language we have in front of you ... requires the Agency of Education to develop the ... model policy," Coleman said, summarizing work that he said includes findings and intent and sets the policy details later in the text. The model policy must allow documented exceptions for students when use is required as part of an individualized education program, an individualized health care plan, or a Section 504 plan, or when approved by an administrator for an academic purpose.

The amendment also…