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One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a school district is preparing students not only for graduation, but for life beyond our classrooms. That means helping students develop academic knowledge, strong character, healthy relationships, and the self-regulation skills they will need to succeed in college, careers, and their communities.
This year, Marshall High School took an important step toward that goal by implementing a bell-to-bell personal electronic device policy, which includes cell phones, air pods/ear pods, smart watches, and personal computers. To support the transition, all students were provided a NuKase locking case that securely store their phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day.
I want to be clear about something: this initiative is not based on the idea that students have done something wrong. It is not a punishment, nor is it a consequence. Rather, it is an intentional effort to teach an increasingly important life skill: the ability to focus, engage, and manage distractions in a world that is constantly competing for our attention.
Anyone who has spent time around teenagers, adults, or frankly, themselves, understands how challenging that can be.
We live in a world where notifications, social media feeds, text messages, videos, and online content are available every second of the day. Research continues to show that frequent interruptions can negatively impact learning by reducing concentration and increasing social anxiety which leads to higher rates of absenteeism. Students are growing up in an environment unlike any previous generation, and schools must help them learn how to navigate it successfully.
The early results at Marshall High School have been very encouraging.
Teachers consistently report that classrooms are experiencing fewer distractions and interruptions throughout the day. Students are more engaged in discussions, more attentive during instruction, and more focused on learning tasks. Staff members have also observed something that may be even more important: students are interacting with one another more frequently and more meaningfully throughout the day.
Instead of scrolling through a screen during passing time or lunch, many students are having conversations, building relationships, and engaging with the people around them. Those interpersonal skills matter. Communication, teamwork, collaboration, and relationship-building remain some of the most sought-after skills by employers in virtually every industry.
Parents have also been overwhelmingly supportive of the change. While there were understandable questions as we launched the program, many families have expressed appreciation for our efforts to create a learning environment where students can focus on academics and develop healthy technology habits.
That doesn't mean every student loves the change. Change is difficult, especially when it involves something as personal and connected to daily life as a smartphone. However, it has been encouraging to hear students themselves acknowledge some of the benefits. Many have shared that they are finding it easier to focus in class, have met new people, are talking with friends more often, and feel less pressure to constantly monitor social media throughout the day.
It is also important to emphasize that Marshall Public Schools is not anti-technology. In fact, technology remains an essential part of modern teaching and learning. Our students use technology daily for research, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and to develop professional communication skills that they will need in their futures. Digital tools play an important role in preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven future.
The distinction is that we want students to learn how to use technology appropriately rather than allowing technology to control their attention. Responsible technology use is a skill. Like any skill, it must be taught, practiced, and reinforced.
This work connects directly to many of our broader district initiatives, including our continued focus on career and technical education, workforce readiness, and preparing students for future opportunities. Employers consistently tell schools that they need graduates who can communicate effectively, work collaboratively, solve problems, manage distractions, and stay focused on the task at hand. These skills are every bit as important as technical knowledge.
By reducing unnecessary distractions during the school day, we are creating opportunities for students to strengthen those habits now, long before they enter a workplace, college classroom, apprenticeship, military service, or other post-secondary pathway.
At Marshall Public Schools, our mission is to "Prepare All Learners for Success." That mission challenges us to think about success broadly. Success is not simply about test scores or grades. It is about helping young people develop the knowledge, skills, habits, and character they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The bell-to-bell personal electronics ban is one example of how we are working toward that goal. It reflects our commitment to creating learning environments where students can focus, engage with one another, and build the skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
I am grateful for the support of our students, families, teachers, and community as we continue this important work together. Preparing learners for success has always been a partnership, and Marshall is fortunate to have a community that understands the value of investing in our students and their future.
-- Jeremy Williams is superintendent of Marshall Public Schools