APS is changing its rules on personal electronic devices. We have created a Q&A with the information that parents and caregivers of students with disabilities need to know.
New Personal Device Rules in APS A Q&A from Arlington SEPTA
What are the new developments on personal devices in schools?
On August 15, 2024, the Superintendent approved new rules to restrict students’ use of cell phones and smart watches. New restrictions will be in place for all students in elementary, middle, and high school.
How are the new rules a change from existing practice?
In the past, schools and teachers made decisions for their buildings or classrooms. Now there will be division-wide rules.
When will the new rules take effect?
The rules will be in effect for the start of the 2024-25 school year.
What happens if a student needs to use a personal device for medical or disability reasons, but it is no longer allowed by the new rules?
Schools must provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. This could include access to personal devices for medical or disability-related needs.
How can families request an accommodation?
Families can make a request through the IEP ( Special Education ), Section 504 , or Individualized Health Care Plan processes. APS has directed families to contact their school’s Student Support Coordinator , the student’s Case Manager, or the Public Health Nurse assigned to their child’s school health clinic.
Do families have to wait until the school year starts to request an accommodation?
No. Families can make these requests prior to the start of the school year.
What if I do not yet know who my child’s case manager will be for the coming school year?
APS has not provided guidance for this situation. We encourage parents to reach out to the school administration if you are unsure whom to contact.
Will there be enough time to put accommodations in place for students who need them before school starts?
APS has provided assurances that there will be adequate time.
What can families do if they need assistance getting an accommodation for their child?
Families who need more assistance within APS can follow the APS recommended Communication Pathways or contact the APS Parent Resource Center . The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) is the parent information and training center serving families of children with disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Can students be disciplined for violating the new rules?
Yes.
Are more changes coming?
Probably. APS has put temporary rules in place for the start of the 2024-25 school year, then APS intends to develop a permanent policy to govern the use of personal devices. Also, in July 2024, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an Executive Order directing the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to draft guidance for public school divisions to adopt local policies and procedures. VDOE will issue final guidance on September 16, 2024, for local school divisions to adopt policies by January 1, 2025.
Where can I get more information?
APS added information to its website about the new cell phone guidance on August 19, 2024.
Can families provide feedback to APS on the personal device policy?
APS did not seek public input as it developed initial rules over the summer, which are already in place now. Families can provide feedback via the APS website through September 23, 2024, as APS develops a permanent policy.
Can families provide feedback to the Virginia Department of Education on its draft guidance for personal devices?
Virginians may submit feedback on the state’s draft guidance by September 15, 2024.
How can families contact SEPTA?
SEPTA wants to hear how the new personal device rules and processes to request accommodations are working for students with disabilities. Families can use the SEPTA Community Feedback form to provide information about their experiences with the personal device rules or other aspects of APS special education. This information will be used to understand the current needs of our community and help us advocate for global improvements where they are needed most, share FAQs, and build community resources. SEPTA will not disclose identifying information without permission. Families may submit information anonymously if desired. You can find more information about SEPTA’s advocacy on this and other topics on the SEPTA website .
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