The Electronics Policy The Civics Class

Background ●Philadelphia convention o States coming to a mutual consensus in order to make the Constitution ●Faults in our handbook o Outdated ●Inspiration to improve o Electronics policy

Purpose ●2-week trial period of the new electronics policy ●Proposed new policy: o Students may access all electronic devices (iPods, cell phones, tablets, headphones, etc.) with their media pass, when permitted. The media pass allows students to use electronics when a teacher gives them permission, during senior study, and after school from 3-4.

The Current Policy “There is little to no research showing us that cell phones or MP3-type players assist students to learn...Therefore students must have all electronic devices (iPods, cell phones, tablets, headphones, and other electronic devices) turned off and not displayed at any time at Blackstone Academy,” (Handbook 14).

The Current Unwritten Rules ●Use of tablets is permitted ●Use of laptops at lunch without specific permission ●Teacher exceptions

Electronics policy in other schools This quotes was taken directly from an article about a High School in the Armorel school district in Mississippi- "What we're allowing is that students can have...some access to phones as long as it doesn't become abused," said Superintendent, Sally Bennett. “Students have so much access to information right in their pockets. We want teachers to be able to use that." Innovative Schools

The Use of Cellphones ●Notes ●Check your ●Reminders ●Internet

Phone Policy ●Have to be silent at all times ●When phones are being used, they have to be out so teachers can see them

Headphones ●Headphones block out distracting noise ●Portfolio Days/ Senior Days ●Not all the time o Group Projects o Teachers direct teaching

Headphones “Those who listened to music completed their tasks more quickly and came up with better ideas than those who didn’t, because the music improved their mood,” (Padnani 7). Research shows that when people listen to music the outcome of what they are doing ends up in better results, which will benefit the productivity of the students’ time.

Headphones cont. “‘When you’re stressed, you might make a decision more hastily; you have a very narrow focus of attention,’ she said. ‘When you’re in a positive mood, you’re able to take in more options,’” (Padnani 8). During free time and senior study we should be allowed to use headphones because it widens our attention and focus, thus enabling students to make a more successful use of their time. In the past headphones were allowed and were removed because of abuse. This policy will leave no room for abuse.

The Use of the Headphones ●During class work (when teacher approves) ●Advisory ●After school ●Before morning meeting ●Senior study * Lunch is not included you can’t have your headphones or phone out

What the Media Pass Does ●A media pass will allow students to use electronics when a teacher gives them permission to or during senior study, free blocks, and after school from 3-4. ●The media pass includes phones and headphones

Requirement to get a Media Pass ●Students need to be passing all classes to receive a media pass. o If students’ grades start to drop after they have obtained the media pass, their advisor has the jurisdiction to take the media pass away.

Misuses ●Social Networks (unless teacher approved) ●Texting ●Phone calls ●Playing games ●Anything else not teacher approved o What is considered a misuse of electronics now, will also be considered a misuse after the media pass is in place

Consequences for Misuse ●The media pass will follow the consequences listed in the hand book. o First strike - Detention o Second strike - In-school o Third strike - In-school & pass gets taken away ●With each strike, your pass will get signed by the teacher o Once you get three signatures, your advisor will take the pass away for the year.

What the Media Pass looks like Cristian Estrada Advisor: Meghan Healy Grade: 12 Strike 1 Strike 2 Strike 3 Pack of 200 lanyards: $36.00 Pack of 200 clear slips: $24.00

Who, When, and How ●As soon as our proposal passes: o The group in charge of visuals will make and distribute media passes to advisors. ●We will have a trial period of two weeks o We will check in faculty and/or do survey ●We will need to purchase the lanyards and the clear slips. o The policy and rules will be on the back of the media pass. ●We started making videos to present to the student body to explain the new policy

The Counter Argument ●Students will try to take advantage of the new policy o Games o Social media ●Students’ activity can’t be monitored easily ●How will students do their work if their media pass gets taken away?

Benefits ●Lets students complete their work in school, no matter what class it’s for ●Phones can actively send reminders. Paper can’t ●Encourages teachers to be more versatile in their lessons ●Depends on teacher’s preference o They don’t have to allow use if they don’t want to

Summary ●Media Pass o Allows use of phones/headphones at certain times  No media pass at lunch o Consequences: mostly the same rules as current policy o Signatures  When having all three signatures the pass gets taken away FOR THE YEAR! o Little policing by teachers  Students are in charge of themselves  There’s more at stake, so students are more likely to follow the rules o Gets students ready for college

Summary continued... ●Policy is outdated and incorrect o Tablets & headphones ●What we’re asking is that you approve a 2 week trial to see whether this policy is as effective as we think it will be.

Questions?

Works Cited ●Padnani, Amisha. "The Power of Music, Trapped in a Cubicle." Nytimes.com. The New York Times, 11 Aug Web. FitzPatrick, Aaron. “Armorel to allow electronic devices at school.” The Blytheville Courier, Aug. 12, Web