“Portable music systems are not to be brought on the school bus or school campus during schools hours unless they are used as a part of a classroom project.” – KISD High School Handbook

This policy does not take into consideration the benefits of listening to music.

By listening to music while doing class work, students are less likely to be distracted and talk to other students. If a student listens to music while taking a test, anxiety levels are decreased significantly, and their stress level is decreased.

Music provides sanctuary for students who may be dealing with difficult times. Problems at home are repeatedly proven to negatively impact a student’s grades. By listening to music at school, students are able to mentally escape problems at home, and pay more attention to their work.

People who oppose allowing students to listen to music in school weakly argue that music will be a distraction for students. However, several students, when asked, reported that music allows them to focus on the task at hand, rather than distract them. Another argument the misguided opposition has presented is that listening to music promotes anti-social behavior in adolescents. If a class is listening to music individually, that does not make them anti-social, it makes them quiet.

Denying students the option to listen to music is denying them the option for better education.