TTSD Personal Electronics Device Policy and Guidance

 

Earlier this month Gov. Tina Kotek signed an executive order requiring that public schools statewide adopt policies to prevent students from using personal electronic devices during regular school hours. The order aims to foster student learning, well-being, and belonging by reducing distractions and promoting focused school environments, and goes further than existing TTSD policy, which previously allowed high school students access to their phones during passing times and lunch.  Starting next fall, students will not have access to their phones from the time they enter the school building until the end of the instructional day.

The order covers personal electronic devices that can make and receive calls and texts (such as cell phones and smartwatches). It does not cover laptop computers and other devices related to instruction.  The governor’s order does allow certain exemptions such as for medical or learning needs, and taking into account individual circumstances. 

The TTSD School Board is likely to adopt an updated policy at a public meeting before the start of the school year, and TTSD school administrators are developing guidelines and procedures with the intention of having them in place for the first day of school in September.  In the meantime, we have developed an FAQ page with further information. Any questions or comments about the new cell phone policy can be sent to ttsdschools@ttsd.k12.or.us