Guidance Development

Develop a cell phone policy proposal for District Leadership review, that meets the following success criteria:

• Focus on student learning
• Balance limiting distractions and helping students focus
• Support safety and security needs
• Easy to understand and implement
• Little to no budget impact

The Renton Technology Coordinating Council conducted a review of readings from local, state, and national sources to assess current trends and practices regarding cell phone policies. This review provided valuable insights into how different communities and institutions are addressing the challenges and benefits of mobile device use in schools. The committee used this research to inform discussions and recommendations, to ensure that the proposed policy aligns with broader educational and technological standards, while also considering the needs of our students, staff, and community.

Review Full RTCC Discussion:  December 10, 2024.

Beginning January 2025, surveys were sent to families and staff to gain insight on their perspectives regarding cell phone use in schools, the necessity of a cell phone policy, and their recommendations for what that policy should look like. These surveys included both quantitative and qualitative feedback. 

To engage fully in the qualitative data, RTCC read and categorized the rationale based on the priority type. For further details regarding this process, see RTCC minutes: February 11, 2025 - Cell Phone Policy Feedback Review pages 5-6.

In addition to the Staff and Family Surveys, RSD technology leadership visited classrooms throughout the district to speak directly with students regarding their perspective on their school’s current policy: what works well, what the challenges are, and their thoughts on the management of cell phones in schools. Find details regarding student responses via the link below.

• Survey Feedback
• Student Focus Groups

Considering the feedback provided by students, staff, and families, coupled with policy guide elements identified by the Department of Education, the council drafted the first guidance draft at the April 15, 2025 meeting.

Following the meeting, the draft was reviewed and further edited by the following stakeholders:

• Technology Integration Specialists (teacher leaders throughout the district)
• Secondary Principals
• Secondary Assistant Principals

The edited draft was returned to RTCC at the May 27, 2025 meeting for final review and revision before submission to district leadership,

District Leadership received and discussed the policy guide on June 5th and made recommendations for finalization.