North East and Alamo Heights ISDs allow phone use during non-classroom times to comply with state law.
SAN ANTONIO — Texas law states phones should not be used in school, but two San Antonio districts have found a workaround.
Districts like North East ISD and Alamo Heights ISD let students check their phones between classes and at lunch.
It’s all in the wording of how “school days” are defined but both NEISD and Alamo Heights ISD still will not allow cell phone use during class time.
Schools that define a day as “start bell to end bell” prohibit cellphones in every capacity. A day defined as “instructional minutes” allows cellphones outside of instructional time.
This is the terminology NEISD has adopted per the TEA.
“Students are allowed to use them during passing periods or lunch breaks, before school or after school,” Aubrey Chancellor with NEISD said.
In short, the day gives districts the ability to work with the needs of their community while complying with the new law.
“Every school system needs to determine what is best for their community,” Chancellor said.
Alamo Heights ISD is another district that allows cellphones outside of instructional periods.
With their high school handbook stating quote: “Students may use their devices during non-classroom times, such as passing periods, lunch, before school, and after school.”
Alamo Heights has not responded to a request for comment.
But for NEISD, they believe this strategy is working well for everyone in their schools.
“Instructional periods have gone a lot smoother now because students know they will be able to check in.”
Other school districts like SAISD, South San ISD, and NISD have prohibited the use of cellphones throughout the whole school day, including passing periods and lunch periods.
The lawmaker behind the ban argues the districts are sidestepping what the bill plainly intended.
It’s disappointing to see some school districts disregarding the clear intent of the law. The legislation plainly requires that personal communication devices be put away during the entire school day while on school property. Phone-free schools bring a wide range of benefits, and when the law isn’t followed, students miss out on the full advantages of a distraction-free learning environment.