Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the "fill-in-the-blank" School District

Instructional Philosophies, Strategies and Goals to be Supported by Internet Access in Schools.

While the importance of electronic resources cannot be disputed, there are some qualifiers relevant to the usage of such materials. Internet access, specifically, is one of the most helpful and potentially harmful resources available in this educational institution. As such, there are some principles upon which the Acceptable Use Policy stands.

First, the Internet is an invaluable resource for students and educators alike, giving access to a variety of information used in the classroom. Whenever possible, students should be instructed in how to utilize the Internet, being wary of unverified sources and proper Internet behavior. Social networking sites, such as Myspace and Facebook will not be allowed, as they hold relatively little educational value.

Second, instructors should strive to provide students with necessary skills for success. In today’s society, access to the Internet is crucial, with e-mail one of the most widely-used forms of communication. As such, instructors should include computer instruction in lessons, having students’ understanding of proper Internet usage as a goal relevant to their content area. For example, in a history classroom, students should be instructed how to research topics and how to confirm sources.

Finally, while we pride ourselves on being an open-minded institution, we recognize there are aspects of the Internet students should not be exposed to. As such, we have implemented website-blocking programs if the material therein is offensive or inappropriate. Should a student need access to these questionable topics, they should speak to their instructor, who can bring the matter to administration, where decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. All measures have been taken to ensure only inappropriate materials are blocked.

Through these preventive measures, we can ensure all students are adequately informed of the benefits and potential harms electronic resources can provide. By educating students in this area, we are preparing them for the electronically-centered world that awaits them.

Educational Uses and Advantages of the Internet in Our School District

We live in a world where individuals are growing ever more connected, pulled closer together by rapid developments in technology. The Fill-in-the-Blank School District believes it has a vital role to play in helping students to understand this technology, recognize how it affects them, and gain familiarity with its use.

Much of this emerging technology centers around the Internet. For this reason, the District uses the Internet within the curriculum to help students:

* Conduct research and gather information;

* Learn to collaborate with peers;

* Do so safely, ethically, and responsibly;

* Understand and make use of the possibilities for collaborating beyond the school walls, not only with other students, but also with experts in fields such as literature, the sciences, journalism, education, government and the working world;

* Further their knowledge of and ability to use those tools available only on the Internet--tools increasingly used by today's employers, colleges and universities;

* Harness knowledge of the many ways in which they may publish their work and reach their targeted audience;

* Develop an awareness of how media and various forms of persuasion are designed to affect and influence viewers, listeners and readers;

* Evaluate media persuasion techniques for intent, creativity, underlying messages and effectiveness so that they may discern between messages that make sense, those that appeal to their emotions, and those that lack logic altogether.

Availability of Computer Networks

• • Access: Access to the school district's computer networks is authorized to: board members, district employees, students in grades K-12 (with parent/guardian approval and when under the direct supervision of staff), district volunteers, district contractors or other members of the public as authorized by the system coordinator or the district in accordance with the district's policy covering use of district equipment and materials.

Definitions of Acceptable and Unacceptable Use

• • "Acceptable Use" of school district computers and technology equipment shall be construed as that which follows the Code of Conduct described below. The Internet must be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. "Unacceptable Use" is that which violates the Code of Conduct described below. Students and staff who violate of the Code of Conduct will be subject to actions described in the Consequences section to follow.

• • A "technology protection measure," as defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) means any technology that blocks or filters Internet access to auditory or visual depictions that are: a) Obscene, as defined in Section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code; b) Child pornography, as defined in Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code; or c) Harmful to minors (an indivdual who has not attained the age of 17--for the purposes of this policy, "minor" will be construed as any and all students enrolled in district schools).

• • "Harmful to minors" is defined by CIPA to mean any picture, image, graphic image file, or other depiction that: a) Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or bodily function; b) Depicts, describes or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact (as defined by Section 2246 of Title 18, United States Code); c) Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value to minors.

Rights

Code of Conduct: Responsibilities of the School District, Educators, and Parents

* The "Fill-in-the-Blank" School District complies with Oregon state and national telecommunications laws and regulations, including the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

* The District is not responsible for information found on the Internet, nor will it be held liable for information that passes through its technology protection measures.

The District will:

* Designate staff as necessary to ensure coordination and maintenance of the district's electronic communications system (which includes all district computers, technology equipment, software e-mail and Internet access);

* Install and use desktop and/or server virus detection and removal software;

* Provide technology protection measures that protect against Internet access by both adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or with respect to the use of computers by minors, harmful to minors;

* Permit a supervisor or other individual authorized by the building principal to disable the technology protection measures to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes, as deemed educationally appropriate;

* Provide staff supervision to monitor the online activities of students to prevent unauthorized access, including "hacking" and other unlawful activities online, and ensure the safety and security of minors when authorized to use e-mail, chat rooms, or any other forms of electronic communication;

* Determine which users and sites accessible as part of the district's system are most applicable to the curricular needs of the district (as such, user access to others may be restricted, accordingly);

* Ensure all student, staff and nonschool system users complete and sign this Acceptable Use Policy as an agreement to abide by the district's policies and regulations.

Educators will:

* Use the district's computers, technology equipment and electronic communications system in accord with state and federal law, district guidelines and this Acceptable Use Policy;

*Use technology and the Internet in classrooms to further the attainment of state and district curriculum goals, by logically and directly tying this use to the formal curriculum.

* Inform building or district supervisors when the district's technology protection measures appear to be repeatedly ineffective or malfunctioning;

* Maintain supervision (in accordance with district policy) in classrooms where computers and other technology equipment are in use;

*Model and teach students the proper ethics, techniques and standards for the use of electronic communication services;

*Discuss guidelines for use with students, emphasizing that misuse may result in the loss of access privileges;

* Monitor student use of the Internet to ensure that it is consistent with grade-level guidelines;

* Redirect students to educationally appropriate sections of the Internet should it become apparent that technology protection measures are not functioning properly or students are in violation of this Acceptable Use Policy.

Parents and Guardians are asked to:

* Read and sign this Acceptable Use Policy;

* Notify the school district or their child's building principal with questions or concerns about the use of technology within the district.

General Guidelines for Student Use of Technology Equipment and Electronic Communications

Use of the school district's computers is a privilege that carries responsibilities. It is important that school computers and technology equipment be used in a manner that is legal, ethical, responsible and respectful toward others.

In general, then, students are asked to:

* Notify teachers or staff members if problems arise with computers, other technology equipment, or Internet content;

* Practice safety first:

* Post no information that reveals your identity, your address, the identities and addresses of others;

* If you are using a password for a class project, protect it--give it to no one else;

* Do not meet with people you have met on the Internet without approval;

* Immediately tell an adult if you or others receive inappropriate or threatening messages over the Internet or other forms of electronic communications.

* Obey the law:

* Respect legal copyrights;

* Disruption of school district computers' proper function will be grounds for consequences as described below;

* Use of school district computers or equipment for hacking or any illegal acts will be grounds for consequences described below, up to and including criminal or civil penalties.

* Please respect others:

* Access only information that belongs to you or that you are authorized by a teacher to use;

* Use language appropriate for school or public places in all electronic communications;

* Distribute no content or materials without the consent of your teacher or principal;

* Stick to the truth--in general, if you don't have something positive to say, don't say it.

Copyrights

The district will use only properly licensed and copyrighted software, audio and video media purchased by the district or approved for use by the district. The district will comply with the requirements of the law regarding the use, reproduction and distribution of copyrighted works and with applicable provisions of use or license agreements. Acts of plagiarism and/or copyright infringement are expressly forbidden by the district in accordance with applicable laws.

Consequences of violating this Acceptable Use Policy

• • • Staff members who violate system prohibitions of this Acceptable Use Policy are subject to discipline up to and including dismissal in accordance with board policy, collective bargaining agreements and applicable provisions of law. Violations of law will be reported to law enforcement officials and may result in criminal or civil sanctions. Violations of applicable Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance of Oregon Educators will be reported to TSPC as per OAR 584-020-0041. Violations of ORS 244.040 will be reported to GSPC.

• • • Students who violate system prohibitions of this Acceptable Use Policy are subject to discipline up to and including expulsion and/or revocation of district system access up to and including permanent loss of usage privileges. Violations of law will be reported to law enforcement officials and may result in criminal or civil sanctions. Disciplinary action may be appealed by parents, students and/or a representative in accordance with established district procedures.

• • • Other guest users who violate system prohibitions of this Acceptable Use Policy shall be subject to suspension of system access up to and including permanent revocation of privileges. Violations of law will be reported to law enforcement officials or other agencies and may result in criminal or civil sanctions.

Acceptable Internet Use Policy Form

Acceptable Internet Use Policy Agreement

I have read and fully understand the information described in the Internet Acceptable Use Policy. I,________________________________, PARENT/GUARDIAN (PLEASE PRINT)

do agree to all of the terms and conditions of the school district’s Internet Use Policy. I understand that a violation of these policies is grounds for suspension or termination of internet privileges. Violations are also subject to suspension, expulsion and criminal consequences depending on the severity of the violation.

Please check the box that applies:

I am a:

• Staff Member

• Student

• Parent/Guardian

_________________________ ____________________

Signed Date

• • Set ALLOWTOPICCHANGE = DenvyS, LorenDepping^?, SteveHadley^?, TalalBafarat^?, EricaOsorio^?

-- DenvyS - 16 Jul 2008
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