BLOUNT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOARD POLICY REVISION FOR
2014-2015
CHECK ONE
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POLICY REVISION
SUBMITTED BY:
____
NEW POLICY
Jacob Sparks, Hayden High School___________
Name of individual submitting revision
Administration, faculty, or student representative list school name as well.
If you are patron, support, or BCEA representatives, indicate that information
after your name.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CURRENT POLICY
POLICY NUMBER: ___________________
NAME OF POLICY:
Electronic Communication Devices________________________________
PARAGRAPH NUMBER IF PARTIAL REVISION:_____ADDITIONAL _______
TYPE CURRENT POLICY HERE:
Effective with the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year students are prohibited from carrying or
having in their possession, in lockers, or anywhere else in the school buildings or on the school
grounds, except in motor vehicles that shall be kept locked, unoccupied, and unvisited during the
school day, electronic communication devices including but not limited to cell phones,
BlackBerrys, and two-way radios.
First Offense:
Take up cell phone or other communication device, hold for seven (7) school days, parents must
pick up cell phone or other communication device from administration. (1) Administration may
assign Saturday School/Detention/or conduct a parent conference.
(1) Revised July 1, 2010
Second Offense:
Take up the cell phone or other communication device, hold for nine (9) weeks of
school.
Automatic one-day suspension.
Third Offense:
Take up cell phone or other communication device, hold for the remainder of the school year or
up to one year.
Automatic two-day suspension or five to ten day Alternative School assignment.
Revised and Board Approved: April 7, 2008
_____________________________________________________________________________
NEW OR REVISED POLICY
POLICY NUMBER: _____________________
POLICY TITLE (IF NEW POLICY): ___________________________________________________________
TYPE POLICY REVISION HERE
The use of personal, wireless communication devices by students is allowed on school
grounds, under the following conditions. Personal, wireless communication devices
include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, tablet computers, two-way radios,
laptops, or any other electronic communication device. Students are permitted to keep
personal communication devices in a personal bag (backpack, purse, etc.), locker, or
automobile. All devices must remain off throughout the day. The principal or his
designee may approve the use of personal electronic devices for instructional purposes or
during medical emergencies, natural disasters, after regular school hours, at events or
under circumstances in which the use of the devices serves safety and convenience
without disrupting academic or school operations. Principals or their designees will also
have the authority to further restrict the use of personal wireless communication devices
by any student to prevent the misuse, abuse, or violation of school rules regarding the use
of such devices. If the device poses a nuisance by vibrating, ringing, or creating any
potential distraction, the device may be confiscated. Any student that is caught using an
electronic communication device without permission or in direct violation of the
guidelines imposed by the principal or his designee may result in the confiscation of said
device for the following time periods:
First Offense: The device shall be confiscated for five (5) school days. At the end
of this term the device must be picked up by the parent or legal guardian of the pupil.
Additional punishment may be issued at the discretion of the principal.
Second Offense: The device shall be confiscated for fifteen (15) school days. At
the end of this term the device must be picked up by the parent or legal guardian of the
pupil. Additional punishment may be issued at the discretion of the principal.
Third Offense: The device shall be confiscated for forty-five (45) school days. At
the end of this term the device must be picked up by the parent or legal guardian of the
pupil. Additional punishment may be issued at the discretion of the principal.
It is the responsibility of the student to properly store, care for, and ensure the power is
off on any electronic device that is brought on campus throughout the day. The board
assumes no responsibility for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
(Justification for Policy Revision):
Electronic devices are a potential asset to students being educated in the modern
age. Schools are equipped with computers and tablets that the students are free to use,
however there are simply not enough. The lack of appropriate access to technology limits
the potential of students to learn via the limitless power of the internet. However, a
simple solution can be found to the lack of school provided technology, let the students
provide it. The majority of students enrolled in schools have smartphones or other
wirelessly connected devices within reach at all times. The sanctions placed on educators
and students hinders the educational opportunities that they have access to. The ability to
access the internet freely opens students to an education beyond the classroom. Through
programs such as Edmodo or Google Classroom students can experience education in a
new, more intuitive, way. For example, currently a history teacher wanting to utilize
students interests in ongoing news or material not covered in a textbook has to uproot the
entire class and move to a computer lab that might be available or reserve the limited
number of tablets a school might have access to in order to do a simple, intriguing,
assignment. However, under this proposed policy a teacher could simply ask the students
to get out their smartphone, tablet, or other device and look up the information without
having to reserve the school’s limited devices. This might seem like a small matter, but I
believe that if the process of accessing technology was simplified to the measures that I
am proposing many more educators would teach a more immersive and captivating
curriculum. Even the simplest things such as quick access to a calculator, dictionary,
encyclopedia, or practically anything can enhance the educational experience that the
students receive. The ability to broaden the curriculum and surpass paper textbooks is one
we simply cannot pass up. Let’s take a step into the future and use the technology we
have at our fingertips to further the education that the young men and women of Blount
County are entitled to, instead of remaining just steps from potential modern excellence.
Deadline to submit final policy revision requests to the school faculty representative:
Friday, February 20, 2015.