As one school year comes to an end, planning for the next one is already underway.
One adjustment that will begin in September of this year will be the implementation of the provincial government’s requirements regarding the removal of cell phones, personal electronic devices, smart watches, and access to social media during class time.
Jason Drent, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services with Chinook’s Edge School Division, believes the Alberta government’s intent is to minimize distractions and really ensure that they are enhancing the learning environment so students can focus.
He was not surprised to hear the news as other provinces and other countries have previously gone in that direction. Drent says “I think the important thing to know is all of our schools have some variation of rules and structures around this as it is. So I don’t think it will be too much of a surprise or a change in kind of practice that we do already but in terms of how this looks, we need to have a policy in place as part of this for the government by January 1st and we need to move forward with moving the rules into our schools by the first day of the school year.”
Drent discusses the process to establish the rules and exemptions necessary to implement the government requirements. He says “So in consultation with our Principals we’re going to establish what those rules look like. Also we need to establish what exemptions look like for students that may require these devices to support medical or some of their inclusion needs. We’re committed to ensuring those students get that support but also making sure we hear the voice of our teachers, our parents, and our students as we build that policy for January.”
Drent made a presentation to the Chinook’s Edge Board of Trustees last week about the division’s planned approach to the requirements. He says “It was good. It was informative. They also were not surprised given the feedback that was taken on that survey. We as educators know that those devices have definitely impacted, they are powerful devices, and so they’ve definitely impacted the educational environment. They’ve been kept in the loop and I think they are awaiting and very supportive for what September and January will look like.”
According to CESD, the policy regarding student use of cell phones, other smart devices, and social media will be developed in consultation with staff, students, and parents.