Cell Phone Policy = Zero?

[Anonymous]

I heard a strange account where multiple students received zeros at different times for having a cell phone in class? There was a kid whose cell phone fell out of a jacket during a test. The rub is that the jacket was on the chair (not in the student's hand). Was that really the intent of the policy?

[Anonymous]

That would be unusual. The consequence of having the phone out is that you lose the phone. Not that it impacts your grades.

[Anonymous]

Maybe don't believe everything you hear.

[Anonymous]

Hmm.. attorney time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I heard a strange account where multiple students received zeros at different times for having a cell phone in class? There was a kid whose cell phone fell out of a jacket during a test. The rub is that the jacket was on the chair (not in the student's hand). Was that really the intent of the policy?

Carelessness and poor decisions have consequences. Better to learn this earlier than later.

[Anonymous]

I mean a similar incident could void your SAT score so why couldn't it result in a zero on a test. Sometimes the lessons are bigger than just what's on paper.

[Anonymous]

Maybe these accounts are coming from a teenager and are not 100% honest or accurate about phone usage in class?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I mean a similar incident could void your SAT score so why couldn't it result in a zero on a test. Sometimes the lessons are bigger than just what's on paper.

Great point here. A cell phone incident would absolutely void your SAT score.

If a teacher said no phones, then that means no phones.

I don’t get the pushback on this one at all.

[Anonymous]

Teacher in another district. I’m betting it went like:

Teacher: reminder, all phones need to be off and in your backpacks. Any instance of a phone during an assessment is an automatic zero. Check your pockets now.

Student: doesn’t. Phone falls out. Zero earned.

The reality is cheating is rampant. They go to the bathroom mid test and google, they have pictures of friends’ tests on their phone that goes to their watch, etc.

[Anonymous]

So if the kid doesn't go to the bathroom and it just falls out of the jacket lying on the floor?

[Anonymous]

Putting it away means putting it away. Zipped up without access. Teens are notorious for making excuses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So if the kid doesn't go to the bathroom and it just falls out of the jacket lying on the floor?

Oh shoot, it just "accidentally" fell out right side up with a photo of the study guide on the screen. Or "oops", it fell out with a text from my friend who took it last block that says, "The bonus is 43x". Or whatever whatever whatever. Teachers don't have time to determine if it was malicious or not. Put the phone away when you are asked. It's not that hard. If you don't listen, there are consequences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmm.. attorney time.

why don't you just handle it with the teacher/school like a normal person

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmm.. attorney time.

I'd laugh as you set all those attorney retainer fees on fire with this case

[Anonymous]

The teacher already made a decision. The Department Head as well. There's speculation and innuendo about the student did or did not do. Versus forensic facts and testimony backing it up.

Appreciate the comments but it can't undo the damage done.