Iowa House bans cellphones in K-12 classrooms

Iowa legislators have passed two significant education bills proposed by Governor Kim Reynolds. The first bill bans cellphones in K-12 classrooms starting in the 2025-26 school year. Schools will have to adopt policies to restrict phone use during lessons. The measure passed the Iowa House with a vote of 88-9 and is now on its way to the Senate. Governor Reynolds highlighted that schools with existing cellphone bans are seeing positive changes. She believes that reducing digital distractions helps create better learning environments. The new law includes exceptions for students with disabilities and allows parents to request phone access for valid health-related reasons. The second bill aims to improve math scores among Iowa students. This legislation passed with a vote of 82-16. It requires K-6 students to be tested in math three times a year, with more frequent testing for those at risk. The Iowa Department of Education will also develop new resources to help teachers and families support math learning at home. Recent data showed that Iowa students' math scores have declined. The governor’s focus on improving math scores follows a similar initiative last year aimed at enhancing literacy. Some lawmakers expressed concerns about the added pressures on teachers, especially without additional funding to support the new requirements. Both bills will need Senate approval before taking effect.