by Payton Cleary, Co-Editor-in-chief 

Southeast Alamance High School celebrated significant improvements in academic performance after its overall school report card grade increased by 12 points by rising from a 62 last year to a 74 this year. This improvement moves the school into the “B” category, and the move comes due to a number of factors including the law on the use of cell phones during instructional time.

Alongside the school’s overall improvement, several subjects showed significant gains in End-Of-Course (EOC) proficiency. Biology EOC proficiency increased by 19 points making it the largest improvement among the subjects highlighted in the school's report. English II proficiency rose by 12.3 points while Math III scores increased by 12.2 points and Math I improved by 11.2 points. 

Southeast Alamance also ranked third among high schools in the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) for overall school performance grade. These results demonstrate progress across multiple academic areas and mark important achievement for the school community. 

An area of concern was the use of cell phones during instructional time. North Carolina implemented statewide requirements restricting student cellphone use during class time, and for some schools, not allowing cell phone use during the entire day. With the goal of reducing distractions and helping students stay focused on learning, Southeast took the approach of allowing phones between classes and at lunch. As students and schools continue to adjust to the new cell phone policy, technology use has also changed in classrooms.

While the cell phone restrictions are intended to support a better learning environment, it is too early to determine fully that this new policy is going to continue to cause a measurable effect like we have seen this year. However, the policy brings renewed attention to classroom focus and student engagement. 

As the school continues working toward academic success, the combination of improved performance and changing classroom expectations create an opportunity to reflect on what helps students learn best. Maintaining focus, participating in class and using technology appropriately may all contribute to a productive learning environment.

With its report card grade rising from a 62 (C) to a 74 (B), Southeast Alamance made meaningful academic progress. As the school goes onto its fourth year, it will have many more opportunities to build on its achievements and work toward even stronger results in the future.