Arlington Students Return to School Under New Phone Rules

New Measures for Student Devices in Arlington Public Schools

Since January, students at Arlington Public Schools (APS) have been required to keep their phones and personal devices turned off and stored away throughout the entire school day. However, this school year brings a new development specifically for high school students. Following a successful pilot program at Wakefield High School, APS is now expanding the use of magnetic locking security pouches. These pouches are designed to help students store their phones during the school day.

This initiative will be fully implemented at several high schools, including Wakefield, Washington-Liberty, Yorktown, Arlington Career Center, and HB Woodlawn. Meanwhile, Arlington Community and Langston high schools will adopt a limited-use approach. Middle schools will also have a supply of these pouches available for use on a case-by-case basis.

Dr. Francisco Duran, the superintendent of APS, shared insights about the success of the pilot program at Wakefield High School. According to surveys conducted with teachers, the implementation made classroom management significantly easier. Students were observed engaging in learning in a more focused manner. Additionally, during lunch breaks, students were seen sitting together at tables, playing games, and having meaningful conversations.

Duran anticipates that approximately 28,000 students will return to classes this school year, along with 5,000 staff members. However, the district faces challenges with teacher vacancies, particularly in special education. The system has struggled to fill positions for special education teachers. When asked about the steps being taken to address these vacancies, Duran explained that new strategies have been introduced.

“We implemented some new strategies. We provided opportunities for our special education assistants, and other assistants, classroom assistants, who have been in our school system, who've worked in those classrooms, to put them in programs to support them getting their certifications,” said Duran.

In addition to addressing staffing issues, APS is also exploring innovative ways to enhance teaching. Last school year, hundreds of teachers evaluated various AI programs to determine which would best serve as a classroom platform. This year, the district will implement the SchoolAI program, a brand-new initiative aimed at improving the educational experience for students and teachers alike.

The introduction of magnetic locking pouches and the adoption of AI technology reflect APS’s commitment to creating a more focused and effective learning environment. As the school year begins, these changes are expected to have a positive impact on student engagement and academic performance.