At the start of the 2025-26 academic year, Alabama high school students saw several changes. Lawmakers passed new measures during the 2025 legislative session aimed at improving educational standards and enhancing school safety, including an alternative diploma option.
One of the new laws is the Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act (FOCUS). The act prohibits students from using cell phones or other electronic devices during school hours, and requires schools to teach internet and social media safety. The intended goal is to limit distractions and encourage students to focus on learning rather than online activity.
The new requirements raise questions about safety. In the past, students were allowed to use phones to contact family during lockdowns. Some also rely on phones to manage mental or physical health challenges. Like many school rules, students may find ways to circumvent the change.
While the policy has drawbacks, it also creates room for positive adjustments. Banning phones could reduce cyber bullying and prevent school fights from being posted online. Without phones, students may spend more time engaging with peers and completing assignments. In recent years, students relied on artificial intelligence or apps like PhotoMath to finish homework, but now they may be encouraged to instead seek help from classmates or teachers.
In my own experience, I enrolled in dual enrollment courses with The University in 10th grade, earning 20 college credits before I even applied. Many of my teachers already had “no phone” policies. After finishing assignments, I often read or had conversations with classmates. I noticed that my grades were significantly higher in those classes compared with ones that allowed phones. Studies also support this idea by reporting that schools that utilized phone pouches reported an 83% increase in student engagement.
Another significant change made that will benefit students is the passing of House Bill 102. This bill requires that local school boards allow students to participate in dual enrollment programs. At the University of Alabama, the Early College program will let Tuscaloosa City School students take courses for $33 per credit hour not including scholarship. Senate Bill 196 allows juniors and seniors to enroll full time in college, giving them the chance to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. The program is intended for students not involved in extracurriculars. Students must first meet with a school counselor and, in some cases, a career coach to determine if the courses are appropriate.
The new laws encourage students to build early success before graduation. They also allow students to explore career paths through dual enrollment or career and technical education courses. CTE courses offer hands-on experience in fields such as welding, health sciences and automotive repair.
In the past, Alabama students were required to take an English, math, science and social studies course each year to graduate. That diploma path is now known as Option A. Option B, the workforce pathway, allows students to replace two math and science classes with three CTE courses in the same career field. However, some colleges may not accept the Option B diploma as transferability differs between different campuses.
While the changes bring both positives and negatives, I believe they will ultimately benefit students in their educational journeys. A decrease in distraction and an increase in opportunity for students will help create the best learning environment possible for students preparing for the next steps of their lives.
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