New Case Study Explores D51’s Cell Phone Policy That Maximizes Learning and Wellbeing

Insights for School District Leaders on Fostering Connection and Maximizing Learning  

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As Colorado school districts increasingly explore how to navigate the impacts of technology on student learning and wellbeing, Mesa County Valley School District 51 (D51) is one of the latest to rethink student cell phone use in classrooms to foster attention and maximize learning.

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, D51 implemented an updated technology policy to prioritize uninterrupted instructional time, engagement, and face-to-face interactions. Following a year-long process involving support from the Western Colorado Community Foundation and the Colorado Forum; extensive data review; meetings with D51 students, staff, administrators, and families; and multiple presentations to the board of education and the public, the district adopted Policy JICJ, requiring that students keep all personal electronic devices turned off and stored in a designated space during instructional time.

Key insights highlighted in the case study include:

• Ground in gains over loss – uninterrupted instructional time and face-to-face interactions
• Build for authentic buy-in with students, families, staff, and administrators
• Policy, not a pilot – all in for everyone
• Address concerns regarding student safety and accommodations

Notably, D51’s policy is not anti-technology; instead, it seeks to balance technology use by promoting tools that enhance relationships and learning while setting boundaries for personal devices. This approach aligns with a growing trend across Colorado and the country, including new guidance released yesterday by the U.S. Department of Education. 

CEI partnered with D51 to develop the “More Social, Less Media: How Colorado’s District 51 Advanced a Unified Cell Phone Policy to Enhance Student Learning and Wellbeing” case study as one example of how school districts are advancing this work, with a goal to support rapid learning across districts. This resource serves as a guide for districts exploring similar policies, detailing D51’s journey from identifying cell phone use as a priority to crafting and implementing a policy that works for students, families, and staff.

Access this new resource below and explore D51’s journey from priority to policy, including:

• Leadership Presentations 
• Research and Data Analysis
• Communication Strategies
• Policy Implementation Plan

“We are committed to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education, and by prioritizing uninterrupted instructional time, engagement, meaningful conversations, and face-to-face interactions, we aim to create educational spaces that foster attention and maximize learning.” – District 51 Cell Phone Expectations

For questions about D51’s Student Cell Phone Use Policy, contact communicate@d51schools.org. 
For questions about CEI, contact info@coloradoedinitiative.org.