School Leadership 2.0
A Network Connecting School Leaders From Around The Globe
Research: Banning Cell Phones Significantly Improves Academic Performance
In Memoriam: It’s Over for Cell Phones
A massive randomized controlled trial involving 17,000 college students in India found that banning phones in classrooms significantly improves academic performance, especially for new and struggling learners. Students who placed their phones in designated lockboxes showed fewer behavioral disruptions, stronger relationships with instructors, and greater focus. Importantly, after experiencing phone-free learning, students became more supportive of bans, suggesting long-term cultural benefits. A parallel Florida study found similar academic gains and reduced absenteeism, though early implementation raised concerns about racialized discipline. The research presents compelling evidence that removing phones narrows achievement gaps and strengthens school culture.
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Prepared with the assistance of AI software
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
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New Partnership
Mentors.net - a Professional Development Resource
Mentors.net was founded in 1995 as a professional development resource for school administrators leading new teacher induction programs. It soon evolved into a destination where both new and student teachers could reflect on their teaching experiences. Now, nearly thirty years later, Mentors.net has taken on a new direction—serving as a platform for beginning teachers, preservice educators, and
other professionals to share their insights and experiences from the early years of teaching, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence. We invite you to contribute by sharing your experiences in the form of a journal article, story, reflection, or timely tips, especially on how you incorporate AI into your teaching
practice. Submissions may range from a 500-word personal reflection to a 2,000-word article with formal citations.
© 2026 Created by William Brennan and Michael Keany
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