What is SmartPass?
SmartPass is a digital tool used to replace standard hall passes. SmartPass aims to reduce students’ missing classes, spending unnecessary time in the hallways, behavioral issues, and more. The SmartPass system works by keeping a digital record of the time a student spends going from point A to point B. Instead of signing a slip of paper or carrying a physical pass, students request a pass through the SmartPass app. Teachers are then able to approve the request and set a time limit for the student to be outside of class.
The SmartPass informs administrators of student patterns and aims to limit the instructional time missed by students. Through the digital SmartPass system, hall passes can be automatically blocked if there is an excess of students in a specific area at the same time, preventing students from congregating in the hallways. Lakota West High School has implemented the new system for the first time for the 2025-2026 school year, and there are mixed emotions about the effectiveness of SmartPass.
Benefits of Using SmartPass
Advantages that follow the new SmartPass system are that kids are now going to class on time, and there has been a reduction in kids skipping class, arriving late, and abusing their bathroom and nurse privileges. While that is the main advantage, there are also a lot of side advantages that come along with it. For example, students now have to take accountability for how long they are out of class due to the SmartPass time system. This also gives teachers more class time to teach students and give help if needed, and it also gives administrators an easier time locating students for meetings and other personal reasons. As Principal Scott Laman has commented, “I found great success as far as teachers and even students know the system. Go over there, I’ll type it up if I want to go see a teacher- I can create a pass, they can approve it for me, so I got to pass, so it’s just the modern way to go.” The SmartPass system has had a great impact on Lakota West, and many teachers and students seem not to have an issue with it being implemented.
Disadvantages of Using SmartPass
That being said, there are many disadvantages to the SmartPass system. Students are limited to three passes a day, which include locker trips, using the bathroom, and meeting with teachers. This can be a major hassle for unorganized students or athletes who consume a lot of water in a day. While the timed passes are convenient for teachers, it doesn’t account for students with health conditions or girls who are on their periods. Another downside of the Smartpass system is that it heavily relies on WiFi, meaning that without it, the system fails.
Conclusion
Smart passes have been shown to make an impact on students and even teachers. They easily locate students and measure the time they are out of class. They have shown some positive results in their grades, focus, and the time spent in class. Some students or even teachers may think otherwise, with the limited number of passes per day or the time limits that are implemented for students when they leave the classroom. This smart pass system is a new thing recently added to Lakota West, and with new things, there will always be discussions or disagreements on whether it is a positive or negative change.
