Making New York’s Schools Distraction‑Free: A Bold Move for Better Learning

Making New York’s Schools Distraction‑Free: A Bold Move for Better Learning

By: Janet Howard With the 2025–26 school year underway, New York State has launched the nation’s most ambitious bell‑to‑bell smartphone ban in K–12 schools—eliminating distractions and restoring focus to classrooms statewide. This historic Distraction-Free Schools law marks a turning point in American education. Supporters say these phone-free schools help students refocus on academics and wellbeing. […]

Why NYC Alternative High Schools Are Failing — and How We Can Truly Help Young Adults Succeed

Why NYC Alternative High Schools Are Failing — and How We Can Truly Help Young Adults Succeed

By Chris Tobias In New York City, alternative high schools were created as a second chance for students who struggled in traditional settings—whether due to academic difficulties, personal hardships, or unstable home lives. However, today, many NYC alternative high schools are failing to fulfill their mission, leaving vulnerable students even more disconnected from meaningful futures. […]