AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to electronic devices.
Impact
The legislation mandates that each local board of education and public charter school establish a policy that enforces this prohibition against electronic device use during instructional time. Furthermore, the policy may allow exceptions for emergencies and set restrictions on device usage in specific areas. This bill sets a foundation for educational institutions to enhance students' engagement and learning by ensuring that the focus remains on academic instruction rather than electronic distractions.
Summary
Senate Bill 2809 is an act aimed at regulating the use of electronic devices in educational settings in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 49, which pertains to education-related law, by prohibiting students from displaying, using, or accessing electronic devices during instructional time unless these devices are either authorized or provided by the local education agency (LEA) or public charter school. This is intended to maintain a focused educational environment and reduce distractions during academic activities.
Contention
There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of such a bill. Critics could argue that prohibiting electronic devices might hinder students' ability to access educational resources that can support their learning. Additionally, there could be concerns about the enforcement of such policies and potential inequities that arise if devices are not equally accessible to all students. This could lead to debates around local control versus state mandates in regulating school policies.