Authorizes superintendents or their designee to permit limited use of personal laptops and tablets for educational purposes as an exemption to school cell phone policies.
authorizing superintendents or their designee to allow limited use of personal laptops and tablets in schools and establishing that such use is exempted under school cell phone use policies.
do I like the idea of laptops and tablets from home? No I think their school issuedChromebook is bad enough do I think the state should be the decide? bigger NO I was against the bell to bell bill, at least this gives a little as autonomy back to the districts
I think teachers should have option to teach digital literacy and have students practice using their laptops and tablets responsibly for schoolwork.
The cell phone ban has been in place for a few months now. Tweaks have to be made to anything so new. This is one. I support this bill.
This legislation will fix an important error with the cell phone ban.
The state should focus on increasing mental health assistance, education and safety measures. We should not force members of our law enforcement to also become murderers.
AFT-NH Testimony in Support of HB 1129 The American Federation of Teachers – New Hampshire urges the House Education and Policy Administration Committee to recommend HB 1129 as Ought to Pass. HB 1129 provides an important and practical flexibility for local school districts by allowing exceptions to New Hampshire’s cell phone ban when electronic devices are needed for legitimate educational purposes. Not all districts have equal access to technology nor the financial resources to provide school issued devices to every student. As a result, some students are unable to fully participate in research, digital communication skill-building, and project-based learning that incorporates both hands-on and digital tools. Allowing a local superintendent, or their designee, to authorize the use of student laptops and tablets for specific educational activities ensures that learning opportunities are not limited by district resources. In communities where individual school-controlled devices cannot be provided to all students, HB 1129 offers a reasonable alternative that supports access to instruction for all students in an efficient manner without wasting time waiting for a turn to use a school-issued computer. This bill maintains the spirit of the statewide cell phone restrictions while recognizing the realities of instructional needs and resource disparities across districts. By permitting structured, educator-approved use of personal devices for learning, HB 1129 ensures all students can access the tools they need to succeed. For these reasons, we respectfully ask the Committee to find HB 1129 Ought to Pass
Testimony in Support of HB 1129 Honorable Members of the House Education Policy and Administration Committee, I stand in support of House Bill 1129, which seeks to broaden device usage policies in schools by limiting restrictions on personal laptops and tablets under existing cell phone policies. This bill represents an important opportunity to enhance equity in education while acknowledging the diverse needs and realities of our students. 1. Promoting Equity in Learning In today’s digital age, access to technology is paramount for educational success. However, not all students have equal access to school-provided devices. By allowing the use of personal laptops and tablets, we can bridge the digital divide that disproportionately affects students from low-income backgrounds, those in rural areas, and students who may have mobility or health challenges that limit their ability to utilize school facilities. 2. Inclusive Learning Environments For many students, particularly those who identify as neurodiverse, engaging with technology can enhance their learning experience. The ability to choose their own device allows for personalized approaches that align with individual learning styles and needs. This flexibility can empower students to take ownership of their education, particularly for those for whom traditional classroom settings may be less accommodating. 3. Addressing Digital Distraction While there are concerns about digital distraction, it is essential to approach these challenges through an inclusive lens. Rather than outright banning devices, we can implement policies that educate students on responsible usage, digital citizenship, and self-regulation. Providing training and resources on how to effectively utilize technology can equip students with essential skills that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them for a technology-driven world. 4. Feedback from the Community Moreover, community voices—particularly those of students and parents—must be central to this conversation. We should prioritize collecting feedback from marginalized communities, including students of color, LGBTQIA+ youth, and those with disabilities, to ensure that policies are developing based on their real experiences. Engaging in dialogue with these groups can lead to more effective strategies tailored to the unique challenges they face in realizing their educational goals. Conclusion In light of these considerations, I strongly endorse House Bill 1129. Expanding device usage policies allows us to foster a more equitable and inclusive educational environment where all students can thrive. Together, we can create a learning landscape that values every voice and every experience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
There is zero need to undo or back up from the amazing policy that was put in place last year. As a parent of 2 teens I was completely over the moon when the bell to bell ban passed. Parents and schools have had to add “device patrol” to their list of parenting duties and challenges with the younger generation. We have seen first hand how just the use of screens changes our kids moods, attention span, etc. even with this ban, schools still have kids on screens far too much. With the Goffstown school district pushing for one to one learning devices. However this year during parent teacher night at both my teens Highschool’s (one in local public one in charter) I asked each teacher about their opinions on the new policy. Without fail every single teacher said I wished the state had done this years ago. Kids are not only more engaged during class with the teacher they are more engaged with each other. Teachers saying students who might not have been chatting otherwise now engaging and enjoying each others company. The orginal bill was well thought out making sure there were carve outs for those students who needed device access for specific medical instances. Which makes complete sense. Rolling back any of the recent implementation is just going backwards. And as with everything with NH public schools, if you give and inch they will take a mile. Why even give an inch when the law was passed less than a year ago. We haven’t even made it through one school year. The law was much needed and I think undoing any of it is just undoing the progress NH schools and students have been able to make
I support this bill. One of the reasons I voted against the cell phone bill last year was due to a lack of exemptions like this.
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