It has been three weeks since students returned to classes at WPS and the teachers are describing the Electronic Device ban as an absolute success. Yes, there have been significant growing pains and a number of students have had to experience In-School-Suspension. But the classroom results have been overwhelmingly positive and recent suspensions have also decreased as students have started to turn phones completely off.
Here are some teacher comments:
“I LOVE IT. I think it is making a big difference. They hold each other accountable at times, and it is making my job-teaching the kids-easier.” -Mrs. Pick
“It is working. I have had zero issues in class so far, and students have been more engaged than I have seen in the past few years.” -Mr. Halsey
“I see students participating in discussion more, a higher percentage of work completion, and just more overall interaction between students.” -Dr. Brasch
“I love having my students' full attention during instruction. They have also been socializing with each other more.” -Senora Fernandez
“I have loved that the students have their eyes up and are focused on learning. They also are speaking to each other...like actually speaking! I think it has been nothing but positive.” -Mrs. Benne
“It is working great. Kids are way more engaged and working in class.” -Mr. Johnson
100% positive!! I'm not fighting with phones or to get their attention. They aren't distracted. -Ms. Shipman
“I see quite a bit more engagement and purposeful student conversation in classrooms.” -Mrs. Addison
“This is a big step in the right direction, the absence of phones has increased student attentiveness and better grades so far.” -Mr. Alberts
As we can see from the comments from our teachers, WPS has made a policy decision that is having an incredibly positive impact on the classroom environment. Teachers have noticed and are seeing participation and engagement levels return to a pre-covid, pre-phone state and this can only produce positive results.
WPS administration is aware there are concerns about enforcement, equity, and the length of suspensions, but we are attempting to make a significant positive impact on the lives and habits of our students and this comes with challenges. We believe that meeting and overcoming these challenges will be of lasting benefit to our entire school community.