Grand Canyon Times

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne has announced a renewed effort to push for legislation banning cell phones in classrooms statewide. Horne emphasized the need for teachers to manage their classrooms with minimal distractions, improve academic performance, and create safer campus environments.

“Imagine being a teacher and trying to teach a class while students were scrolling on their cell phones. That this has been permitted is outrageous,” Horne stated. “It decreases student learning significantly and makes life hard for teachers who already have heavy burdens. No teacher should have to compete against phones for the attention of students. Classroom cell phone use has become so rampant that it is taking away precious instructional minutes, and research shows that student academic performance is suffering. This is unacceptable, and statewide legislation is essential to eliminating these distractions.”

Horne criticized last year's veto of similar legislation by the Governor, calling it "irrational and irresponsible." He urged citizens to contact the Governor's office to prevent another veto next year. “Leaving this to districts means some teachers will still have to teach classes of students scrolling on cell phones, which NO teacher should be required to do," he added.

Former Tucson public school teacher Mitchell Rutherford supports Horne’s initiative. Rutherford left the profession due to the pervasive use of mobile devices in his classroom, which he felt hindered his effectiveness as a teacher.

Several state legislators, including Sen. Shawnna Bolick, Rep. Beverly Pingerelli, Sen. T.J. Shope, and Rep. Matt Gress have expressed support for the proposed legislation. Additionally, governing board members Susan Ward of Payson and Apache Junction district Superintendent Dr. Bob Papalardo are backing Horne's efforts.