Are cell phone bans in classrooms actually solving the screen time crisis—or are we just swapping one digital distraction for another?

In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, host Dr. Jerry Burkett sits down with Terry Gromes Jr., Founder and CEO of The Canary Project, to unpack the true cost of the attention economy on students and families. From algorithmic dopamine hooks to the "brain drain" caused by physical phone proximity, Terry shares why total tech bans miss the mark and how cultivating timeless virtues like discipline and self-control creates sustainable digital balance.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Phone Ban" Paradox: Why replacing cell phones with school-issued screens doesn't fix digital dependency.

• The Attention Economy & Gen Z: How social media algorithms target decision-making—and why 83% of Gen Z are actively trying to step back from doom-scrolling.

• The Cognitive Drain: What the University of Chicago proximity study reveals about cell phones sitting on classroom desks.

• The "Traffic Light" Framework: Why technology needs common-sense safety structures to help society coexist with smart devices.

• Actionable School & Family Strategies: How K-12 leaders can bridge the gap between home and school to empower parents and restore household leadership.

Connect with Terry Gromes Jr. & The Canary Project:

• Website: www.thecanaryproject.org

• LinkedIn: Terry Gromes Jr. on LinkedIn

Connect with School Rules:

• Hosted by Dr. Jerry Burkett

• Subscribe for weekly conversations connecting educational research, leadership practice, and school culture!

Welcome back to the School Rules Podcast with Dr. Jerry Burkett! In this high-yield episode, we cut through educational noise and policy confusion to bring you actionable tools for school leadership, instructional technology, and financial literacy.

The Leadership Lens (Before School): Navigating the October Low & DAEP Risks

Dr. Burkett addresses the seasonal strain of late September and October as classroom honeymoon phases fade and behavior referrals surge. We examine the legislative push surrounding Chapter 37 / DAEP removals, the overuse of disciplinary exile for elementary students, and why leaders must protect proactive tier-2/3 behavior systems before default-removing kids.

Hallway Highlights: Sun Ridge Middle School (Socorro ISD)

Shining a 60-second light on Sun Ridge Middle School in West Texas.

Greg Junge, founder of Money Mindset Academy and author of "Teen Money Mindset" and "Parent Money Mindset", steps in to discuss bridging the gap between home and school when it comes to financial education. Greg breaks down why teaching money mechanics isn't enough, how to remove shame around spending, credit cards, and savings, and how parents and schools can collaborate to raise financially confident kids.

Resources Mentioned:ReadingDuck: https://readingduck.comFreeWorksheets: https://freeworksheets.comMoney Mindset Academy: https://moneymindsetacademy.com#k12education

#schoolleadership #edtech #financialliteracy #Principalship #aiineducation #teachersupport #school

How can educators and instructional designers harness the power of artificial intelligence without losing human empathy and connection?

In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, Dr. Jerry Burkett welcomes Jackie Pelegrin, host of Designing with Love and adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience across higher education, corporate learning, and media production, Jackie shares actionable strategies for creating future-ready, adaptive learning environments.

• AI as a Co-Designer: Using generative AI tools with intention while keeping human judgment at the center.

• The Rise of Adaptive Pathways: Why rigid, one-size-fits-all courses fall short and how to build flexible learning paths.

• Ethical AI Audits: Simple steps to evaluate course content for accuracy, bias, and privacy before publication.

• Human-Centered EdTech: Building psychological safety and authentic connection into digital classrooms.

Connect with Guest:

• Website: designingwithloveblog.com

• Podcast: Designing with Love