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Schools Adjust to New Iowa Laws

Schools Adjust to New Iowa Laws

Photo: Metro Services, Saga Communications


Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) -A new Iowa law requires all schools to adopt policies that restrict students from using cell phones and other electronic devices during class time. The law also requires schools to have a plan for how parents may contact their children in an emergency.

So, what does that look like? It depends on the school. Emmetsburg Superintendent Cory Jenness says they are going with a total ban on cell phones.

In Spencer, Superintendent Hemann says students will have to put their phones away during class, like in a locker or a secure pouch.

Signed into law this year by Governor Kim Reynolds, the law is a direct response to studies showing phones are a big distraction, and schools that have already tried this are seeing good results, like better grades and fewer disruptions.

An additional new Iowa law requires students in “human growth and development classes” to watch a fetal development video. This requirement is for students in grades five through twelve.

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