The Madison County School System is FOCUSing on the Positives as we begin the 2025-2026 school year.

The Law

The FOCUS Act (Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety) is a new Alabama state law that will take effect beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. The law requires personal electronic devices to be turned off and stored away from a student’s person during the instructional day. This requirement does not apply during time on the bus or during approved educational use under staff supervision. The law also allows for limited exceptions, including: medical needs documented in an IEP, Section 504 Plan, or Health Plan, or during emergencies that threaten the life or safety of the student or others.

The Positives

• Decreased distractions
• Improved focus and academic
• performance
• Strengthened face-to-face
• communication skills
• Improved classroom learning
• and collaboration
• Increased sense of belonging
• and connection