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Board reviews state testing schedules and warns of strict device ban, including disguised smart glasses
Summary
District officials outlined state testing dates for spring and warned that state law prohibits students from possessing electronic devices during testing. Staff described enforcement procedures and advised parents to leave devices at home; penalties include disciplinary action, test invalidation and possible law-enforcement referral.
District staff reviewed the spring state testing schedule and detailed strict rules about electronic devices during examinations, telling trustees that state law prohibits students from possessing any electronic devices during state testing.
Tracy McDonald, who presented testing logistics, listed the testing windows and dates for grade bands and end-of-course exams. She warned that smartwatches, smartphones, earbuds and even audio-equipped eyeglasses can compromise test security. "It is state law that prohibits students from having any electronic devices in their possession during state testing," McDonald said.
McDonald described school procedures: students are asked to power off devices, label them, place them in a Ziploc bag with their name and deposit the bags in a plastic tub at the front of the classroom. At middle and high school levels, students walk through a hand-held scanner; if a device triggers the scanner, staff examine the student and device. McDonald said consequences for noncompliance can include school-level discipline (suspension or expulsion proceedings where applicable), loss of a high-school exam score that counts toward course grades, and referral to the State Department of Education for possible law-enforcement investigation.
Trustees raised enforcement questions about glasses that look like ordinary prescription eyewear but contain audio capability. Staff said common signs include students who have not previously worn glasses arriving with them and students who appear to be reading to themselves or tapping the side of glasses; staff described additional screening procedures and accommodations processes for students with documented medical or 504/IEP needs.
Superintendent Williams and trustees asked staff to expand communications: the district will place testing dates on school and district websites, send automated phone messages (autodialers) and encourage schools to post on classroom communication platforms and social media.
The testing schedule and device rules were presented as information; the board did not take a separate formal vote on the testing protocols during the meeting.
