Sewanhaka High School is introducing a new system of rules to undo the effects of remote learning on academic performance during the 2020-2021 school years. This policy is meant to address any gaps in their students’ education caused by the disruption of attending school virtually. The policy was approved by New York State as part of a continuation of the state cell phone ban. The new policy is currently referred to as the “Less Overall Levity” rule.
The Less Overall Levity (LOL) policy has a variety of restrictions and rules for students to abide by from their bell-to-bell schedule in order to fully immerse themselves in their studies when they are at school. Some of these rules and restrictions include zero-tolerance for smiling, no brightly colored clothing, and absolutely no talking in the hallways.
Studies have shown that happiness actually leads to students performing worse on their standardized exams. By implementing a no-smiling policy, Sewanhaka High School successfully crushes any happiness in students and ensures higher grades on this year’s regents. Moreover, wearing brightly colored clothing and interacting with peers in the hallway distracts students from fully focusing on their classes.
A no-talking rule will also be implemented during students’ lunch periods in order to ensure that they swiftly finish their lunches and focus studying, on finishing their homework during the remainder of their lunch time. To sustain a quiet and lawful environment in the cafeteria, a limit of four people per lunch table will be implemented. A suitable distance of six feet will be enforced between students to ensure absolutely no physical contact. Additionally, students will no longer be allowed outside during lunch, due to the distraction caused by fresh air.
Those who refuse to abide by these rules will be dealt with in a meaningful manner. First time offenders will immediately face a week-long suspension, and the most disruptive will be expelled.
This policy is expected to be extremely effective. Students’ grades are already projected to increase by 45% in the next three weeks. Critics of the program argue that this is due to the fact that so many students will have been suspended, and has nothing to do with the actual policy. Sewanhaka High School looks forward to sharing their ideas with other schools around the state and possibly around the country to increase test scores nationwide.
Those looking for more information on the Less Overall Levity policy should refer themselves to the school website, where the policy will be posted in a simple black and white image that leaves little to the imagination.
