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As students in public school today are exposed to endless technological advances, the use of cell phones seems to be an often ignored modern-day issue. While cell phones certainly offer students increased communication abilities, providing students with a tool for added safety and parent contact, many public school leaders assert that cell phones are a severe distraction in the educational process. Whether students are talking in the halls, on the phone in the restroom facilities, or texting during class, phones are proving to be a significant distraction in many students’ educational process.

To counteract the negative implications, many public schools have even issued a ban on the use of cell phones while on campus. Upon the onset of these drastic measures, a fairly glaring debate has arisen between school leaders and many community members.

The Ringing Debate

As school leaders are striving to improve student performance and the overall student learning experience, schools across the country are enforcing strict policies regarding cell phones. Specifically, the entire city of New York issued a general ban against cell phones in their city’s public schools.

According to eSchool News, a group of parents was so outraged by this ban that they have taken legal action against leaders, and they are suing the city for violating student rights to possess cell phones: “The eight parents' lead lawyer, Norman Siegel, said the lawsuit was filed against the city's Department of Education, schools Chancellor Joel Klein, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg after they ‘callously

As obesity levels and health issues are rising among young children and teens across the country, public schools are implementing new health and physical education programs to help prevent illnesses while striving to promote wellness. Some studies report that the new health programs not only help children to improve physically, but a school’s wellness plan can also help students improve emotionally, behaviorally, and academically as well.

The Current Health Issues Facing Public School Students

Since 1997, America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being has issued reports regarding American children’s health and wellness. According to America’s Children, one of the biggest issues of concern among all public schools and parents is the rising percentage of overweight children: “In 1976–1980, only 6 percent of children ages 6–17 were overweight. […] Most recently, in 2005–2006, 17 percent of children ages 6–17 were overweight.”

Paired with this, Asthma is another disease, in addition to weight, that is a serious concern for American children. According to studies, “Asthma is a leading chronic disease among children, and rates of childhood asthma have remained at historically high levels since the 1990s.” Recently, in 2006, 9 percent of children suffered from asthma.”

As schools are becoming increasingly aware of these issues, public wellness plans are designed to decrease obesity rates while also helping students cope with specific health issues, such as asthma, diabetes, and many others.

This TedTalk explains how quality, daily physical education in schools not only reduces obesity amongst our children, but

According to recent research, only 2% of American children receive the recommended daily nutritional servings from dietary choices. In an attempt to combat such issues of poor health and malnutrition, a non-profit organization called “Action for Healthy Kids” is actively striving to improve the meals available for public school students. As WTOP News explains, Action for Healthy Kids is striving “to address the epidemic of childhood obesity, is putting pressure on schools to cut back calories and dish out healthier options to students at lunch time.”

The Unhealthy Public School Provisions

Middle and High Schools vs. Elementary Schools

According to MSNBC’s article, “Secondary Schools Serve Unhealthy Foods,” the low-nutrition foods available to middle and high school students are far less healthy than the foods provided to elementary students. According to their report, researchers have discovered that the drastic shift in healthy food options for middle and high school students not only leads to poorer overall physical health but also may be “the main difference between the lower and higher grades was the greater availability of unhealthful foods and beverages for older students.”

Ultimately, researchers assert that the overall “school ‘food environment’ is significantly healthier in lower grades.” One of the culprits leading to the unhealthy state of middle and high schools is the increasing number of vending machines in the upper education buildings. According to researchers, “while vending machines aren't automatic sources of unhealthful foods and drinks, they are -- along with a la carte cafeteria

As more children of all ages are excelling in standard public school programs, many districts have implemented new curriculum pathways for accelerated learning opportunities. For students who demonstrate above-average cognitive potentials, International Baccalaureate Programs are providing gifted children with the chance to learn in an enhanced classroom with increased pace and rigor, amidst peers working at similar cognitive levels and abilities.

International Baccalaureate Programs (IB)

While each public school offers different honors and accelerated courses, International Baccalaureate programs are fully inclusive curriculum pathways. This means that, instead of only taking a few honors courses, students instead engage in a constant IB class schedule.

IB Programs are only available at specific schools; however, they are still publicly funded. Essentially, "The IB is a nonprofit educational foundation, motivated by its mission, focused on the student." Programs are available for students ranging from ages 3 to 19, to help develop the "intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world."

Since 1968, the IB Program has grown to work with 2,384 schools in 129 countries. Currently, 645,000 students are enrolled in the various IB Programs around the world, while being provided with three different programs: The Primary Years, The Middle Years, and The Diploma Program.

This video offers an overview of the International Baccalaureate Programme.

The Primary Years

The Primary

In recent years, the technology investment in public schools, ranging from K-12 institutions, has grown astronomically. According to Equity Review research, in 1998 alone, “the level of spending on educational technology at the national level was estimated at over $5 billion,” and it has grown each year in the last decade.

While each school’s budget is diverse and unique, programs have been implemented to balance the rising costs of technology and education, aiming to provide all students with equitable access to a learning environment with modern and interactive equipment.

This illuminating article delves into the dynamic landscape of technology implementation and funding in public schools. We examine the various ways technology is being integrated into educational settings, ranging from interactive whiteboards and online learning platforms to coding programs and virtual reality experiences. We also explore the challenges and opportunities associated with funding technology initiatives, considering budget constraints, equity concerns, and the evolving needs of students and educators. By showcasing real-life examples and innovative approaches, we shed light on successful models and best practices that can inspire and guide schools in their technology adoption journey. Whether you're a parent, educator, or education enthusiast, join us as we uncover the transformative potential of technology in public schools and the strategies for securing sustainable funding to ensure equal access and enhanced learning experiences for all students.

Federal Funding in Public Schools

According to the “,” a five-year, $2 billion