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DEED tells committee cell phone restrictions, PBIS are part of 'safe and focused' learning plan
Summary
Commissioner Dina Bishop said the department supports model cell phone policies and positive behavioral interventions (PBIS) as part of maintaining safe and focused learning environments; DEED will develop guidance for districts.
The Department of Education and Early Development told the House Finance Education Subcommittee on Jan. 31 that creating “safe and focused learning environments” will include supporting positive behavioral interventions and revisiting cell phone policies.
Commissioner Dina Bishop described PBIS — positive behavior interventions and supports — as an organizational approach to setting expectations and offering tiered student supports. “PBIS is positive behavior interventions and supports,” Bishop said. She told the committee that PBIS is largely implemented through district professional development and in‑school practices rather than as a turnkey purchased product.
On cell phones Bishop described growing bipartisan interest in reducing classroom distraction. “The research is crystal clear that cellular devices in schools, are taking the attention, away from students’ focus on learning,” she said. Bishop said every district currently has a cell phone policy; some districts have moved to stricter bans and she said the state board has asked DEED to create a model policy for school boards to adopt.
Asked whether a statewide policy could be imposed, Bishop said the department will produce model guidance and recommended practices but that local school boards would adopt policy at the district level.
DEED officials said there may be modest costs if districts choose to purchase storage pouches or other devices to manage phones; otherwise districts often require students to place phones in lockers or collect phones at school. Bishop said principals and boards have in some cases used discipline and parental engagement to support policy enforcement.
Lawmakers including Representative Hemshutt and Representative Bynum asked for counts of districts that have strict bans; Bishop said she would research and report back on which districts have adopted full bans and how policy changes have affected discipline and learning.
The department said it will provide model policies and guidance to local boards and continue to support PBIS implementation through professional development.
