you strong and this is VOA one the hits.

Welcome to Learning English, a daily 30 minute program from The Voice of America.

I'm Ashley Thompson.

And I'm Mario Ritter Jr.

This program is designed for English learners, so we speak a little slower and we use words and

phrases especially written for people learning English.

On today's program, Brian Lynn takes a look at both sides of the debate over cell phone bands in American classrooms. Then we hear an everyday grammar lesson all about modals.

Finally, we present a lesson of the day from Andrew Smith and Jill Robbins.

But first, a mass shooting at an American high school has raised questions about policies restricting cell phone

use in classrooms. The shooting took place September 4th at Appalachian High School in the southern

state of Georgia. The suspect was identified as Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student at the school.

The shooting left two students and two teachers dead.

Nine others were injured.

During the shooting, some students at Appalachian High School

used cell phones to call their parents to let them know what was happening.

Others made calls to loved ones to leave messages they thought might end up being final goodbyes.

Some opponents of cell phone bans in schools have said such situations demonstrate a reason cell phones should not be

completely banned from classrooms. They believe phone bans can cut off a possible lifeline for parents to make sure

their children are safe during school shootings or other emergencies. But supporters of such

restrictions, including many teachers, say the rules are needed.

They say cell phones can cause many distractions for students.

Carrie Rodriguez is president of the National Parents Union, an education activist group.

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