After Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1481, effective Sept. 1, students aren’t allowed to bring in any “personal wireless communication device…capable of transmitting and/or receiving data.” This will affect personal smartphones, text messaging devices, laptops, and tablets.
According to the bill, students are “allowed to use a device provided by a school for instructional purpose.” Also a part of the bill, the board of trustees of the district must adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional class.
Aledo ISD, according to communications officer Mercedes Meyer, has been working closely with the Texas Education Agency to make sure the policies that the board adopts align with the guidelines provided.
On July 28, the communications office for Aledo ISD sent an email outlining the district’s plan for the ban: “Bell to Bell, No Cell.”
According to the plan, “Aledo ISD students must have cell phones, smart watches, personal tablets, Bluetooth devices (including wireless headphones, earbuds, and AirPods), gaming systems, personal laptops, or any other personal electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication put away and out of sight bell to bell during the school day.”
On Aug. 6, the Aledo ISD board of trustees voted to approve a policy change to FNCE (local) for the policy.
This means that children attending school must keep their personal devices in their backpacks or bags out of sight and unable to cause disruption during the school day.
For elementary schools, no personal communication devices are allowed as a continuation of the previous policy, and as outlined in the plan for secondary schools, they are not allowed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:10 p.m.
In the email to parents, Aledo ISD superintendent Dr. Susan Bohn encouraged parents and guardians to reach out to the campus administration with any questions not answered in the FAQ that can be found online at.
“Just as it is to you, this law is new to us, so we appreciate your understanding as we potentially refine our practices throughout the year to make them better,” she said in the email. “Don’t worry, if there are any changes that need to be made, we’ll let you know with plenty of heads up. Thank you for your patience.”
For the policy, “bell to bell” also includes lunch, restroom breaks, and passing periods. Students are able to use their devices before the first bell of the day in the morning and after the final bell, but the staff member monitoring them during these times will be able to instruct students to put away the device during these times on-campus.
The roll out of this program ends Aledo ISD’s Bring Your Own Device Program. All students are instead encouraged to use the Chromebooks that the district rents out to the students. Students in Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade use technology as needed by the school and do not need to check out devices.
Parents who are looking to contact their child during the school day are encouraged to call the school office. The message will be delivered to the child. Cases where students are wanting to reach out will be up to teachers’ judgement if the call is necessary to the parent or guardian.
If the student has an Individualized Education Program, a legally binding document that outlines a special education plan for students with disabilities, a Section 504 plan which provides accommodations and modifications to students with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to education in public schools, or a medical need to have the device, a form can be filled out and submitted to the district.
Because of this ban, students are not allowed to take photos or videos for a class project and will instead be provided approved alternatives for media-based projects by teachers.
In an emergency situation, the district will follow the existing emergency protocols and students will be guided by staff, but are allowed to contact their families with their devices when it is safe to do so. Parents will be notified through the emergency notification system.
According to the FAQ, “In a genuine emergency, students should always use their best judgment to stay safe. If a student uses their phone to get help in a situation where staff aren’t immediately accessible, we will handle it with understanding and evaluate the circumstances appropriately.”
Punishments and protocols
The policy is per student and cumulative, the punishments for each violation are as follows:
1st Offense:
2nd Offense:
3rd Offense:
4th Offense:
5th Offense:
Beyond 5th Offense:
According to HB 1481, the district will keep confiscated devices for 90 days and then will be able to dispose of them if it is not collected.
Other districts
Weatherford ISD has also published their guidelines regarding HB 1481 and it can be found at: https://www.weatherfordisd.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=233351&type=d&pREC_ID=2694223&tota11y=true
John Blackwell, WISD director of communications, said that parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the new expectations and to stay informed through WISD’s communication updates.
“Staff, teachers, and administrators alike will continue to encourage students to keep devices off and stored,” Blackwell said. “Complying with HB 1481 gives students a chance to be fully present in the classroom. Limiting personal device usage and distractions supports a stronger learning environment and builds positive habits.”
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