Educators say Oklahoma’s school cellphone ban has been a ‘game changer’

Summary:

– Moore and Bartlesville schools report fewer discipline incidents under SB 139 .

– Teachers see increased student engagement, participation and collaboration.

– Lawmakers consider expanding restrictions to other devices like Chromebooks.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Robert Romines is happy to admit he was wrong.

The superintendent of Moore Public Schools didn’t think the Oklahoma Legislature made the right choice when implementing a statewide ban on student cellphones in schools this year. He thought parents would be against it and teachers would spend too much time policing the rule.

“I’m all about eating crow when I have to, and they got this one right,” he said.

Now nine weeks into the school year, Romines said “things have gone really, really well.” Discipline incidents h