The Denver Public Schools Board of Education is preparing to vote on a new student device policy. DPS’s own survey found that 76% of educators and 64% of the broader community support a bell-to-bell phone policy.
They created the Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) who spent months developing a clear, research-aligned recommendation: a districtwide bell-to-bell policy that keeps phones away during instructional time, passing periods, lunch, and all school-supervised time.
Now we need the board to follow through.
School board members have said they are considering adjustments to the strong, research backed policy CDAC has put forward for high school students. Let’s ensure DPS becomes the leading example of the state by being bold with an away all day, bell to bell policy for all students to thrive.
CDAC was clear: consistency is what makes this policy effective. The CDAC recommendations already include exceptions for students with medical needs, IEPs, and 504 plans. A strong policy and an equitable policy are not in conflict. Every student can be supported, and every student deserves a focused learning environment.
The board has a strong roadmap. Urge them to use it.
