'The improvement in terms of test scores is definitely there': CCSD teacher and colleagues seeing results from district's cell phone pouch initiative

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Some teachers with the Clark County School District say they are seeing real results in the classroom, now that they aren't seeing phones in the hands of students.

One high school freshman says some teachers look the other way when it comes to enforcing cell phones in pouches, but high school English teacher, Daniel Tillman says there's been a remarkable difference in test scores looking at years' past 'til now. "Completely different for the better," Tillman said.

Tillman says his students understand the assignment as those in grades 6 through 12 have to put away their phones in non-locking, signal blocking pouches .

"Now, when I walk in the room at the beginning, the phones are already away. It's not even a question. People are getting signed in, starting to do their work for the day," Tillman said, adding that's a "very, very good improvement."

That is, if students actually comply. But freshman, Charlize Leary, who started an online petition before the school year started to stop this initiative, which now sits at close to 30,000 signatures, says some teachers aren't enforcing the rules.

"Our teachers are a little bit more relaxed on the mandatory pouches," Leary said. "I think that they also agree, for the most part, that it's just a waste of time to regulate it."

But it's not like Leary is encouraging students to waste time instead of learn. "There's no need to be scrolling on Instagram or TikTok. I think it's very important to have phones in your classroom, just for safety reasons," Leary said.

CCSD says the phones are accessible in an emergency.

Tillman says if they're used effectively, he thinks teachers will see results.

"I don't want to speak in terms of standardized testing, but in terms of my own assessments that have taken place in the classroom last year and the year before, I might have only a handful of students turn in their essay or their writing task, and now it's pretty much the majority of the class," Tillman said. "So, the overall improvement in terms of test scores in my English class is definitely there, and the other teachers in my grade level and department are reporting very similar findings."

CCSD says the cell phone pouches make for a non-disruptive space that encourages learning.

FOX5 asked for comment from the district earlier in the day about how the cell phone pouch project is going in terms of more focus and better test scores.

We'll update this story when we hear back.