Parents passionate about the subject invoke memories of major city emergencies, including the Sept. 11 attacks, as proof that cell phones are critical lifelines. Some also frame the issue as a civil rights matter.

"We talk about schools as prisons in this city," said Cecilia Blewer, a parent of two. "They're being acculturated to accept prison conditions. What I want to know is how they're teaching civics with a straight face any more. How would they explain the arbitrary searches and invasion of privacy?"

I see the logic in this, but as a former teacher myself, I know that overturning this policy could be disastrous for events in the classroom.  There is no way to ensure kids will turn phones off.  They could not only be used for texting rather than focusing on the lesson, but also on gameplaying and possibly even cheating on tests.  Teachers would have to struggle every day, every period against the cellphones for the kids attention.

So, with good points on either side of the issue, what do we do?  Allow the phones but tell kids they must be left in their lockers?  But how secure, then, are lockers?

If I were forced to choose, I'd keep the ban in place.  But I'd much rather see a compromise reached.

The link: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20060506/D8HDUG181.html