Usha Vance reads to children in Georgia for her summer reading challenge Aug. 21, 2025. (Harrison Koeppel)
DoDEA schools were created by the U.S. military after the end of World War II for the children of service men and women.
DoDEA is one of the only two federally operated school systems and is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating and managing pre-K through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the Department of Defense. DoDEA serves more than 67,000 children of active duty military and DoD civilian families.
USHA VANCE BACKS BOOKS OVER PHONES AS MORE SCHOOLS IMPLEMENT NO-CELL POLICIES
Vance worked with Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., and Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., to have the provision included. The two senators had introduced a bipartisan measure that was aimed at prohibiting smartphone use during instructional hours in DoDEA schools.
Vance collaborated and worked with Banks’ team, the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, and the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to ensure the provision would be included in the final NDAA.
The second lady has spearheaded a number of projects — like her Summer Reading Challenge — to focus directly on improving early childhood literacy. ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
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Fox News Digital has learned that the second lady plans to continue championing child literacy by expanding efforts that help young learners build strong reading foundations early in life.
The second lady is expected to work closely with educators, families and community partners to support innovative programs and collaborations that improve literacy outcomes for children across the country.
Brooke Singman is a political correspondent and reporter for Fox News Digital, Fox News Channel and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/second-lady-usha-vance-secures-provision-limit-cellphone-use-dodea-classrooms