The Assistant Superintendent, Instruction, is responsible for the system-wide implementation, review, and evaluation of this policy.  Principals are responsible for building-level implementation, review, and assessment.

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PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

    
Program Development
       
In order to match electronic resources as closely as possible to the curriculum, staff will assist students in identifying, reviewing, and evaluating instructional electronic and/or networked information resources which comply with Board policy governing the development and selection of instructional materials.

Staff will supervise student use of online networked information as a guided resource to facilitate student contact with the most appropriate educational sites.

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Code of Ethics

Users of technology are responsible for appropriate behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school library.  General school rules for behavior and communications apply; consequences for inappropriate behavior also apply.  Access to these electronic resources is provided in order for students and staff to conduct research and communicate with others.  Technology users are expected to act in a considerate and responsible manner.  All users of technology will be informed of expectations and responsibilities related to computers prior to gaining access, as indicated in the staff and student handbooks.  Technology users are expected to abide by the following.

1. Use school facilities and equipment only for school-related, educational activities. This includes but is not limited to the use of the Internet, e-mail, local school and county networks, and other electronic and online resources.

2. Be courteous and use appropriate language.  Do not harass or attack others, or use expressions of bigotry, racism, and/or hate.  Do not send, display, or use profanity, obscenities, sexually explicit, or offensive materials.

3. Protect privacy and safety by not disclosing such personal information as telephone numbers, addresses or passwords.  Use only assigned passwords. The use of others’ passwords is forbidden.

4. Recognize and respect the intellectual property of others, for example, do not tamper with, copy, or download  files without permission.

5. Adhere to Federal copyright laws and publishers’ licensing agreements.

6. Install only software licensed to Arlington Public Schools for use on its computer systems.  

7. Respect the integrity of the network system.  Enter authorized systems only. Do not attempt to circumvent or subvert system security measures.  Do not tamper or alter the system in such a way that would disrupt the network.

8. Report suspected computer viruses or other problems immediately so that action can be taken and damage can be minimized.

9. Use equipment responsibly.  Do not damage in any form or manner hardware, electronic systems or networks.

10. Conserve resources including but not limited to file storage space, bandwidth, online time, toner, and paper.

11. Do not sell merchandise or operate a business.

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Inappropriate Material

Arlington Public Schools recognizes that users may encounter materials that could be viewed as inappropriate and non-educational.  Therefore, provisions have been made to direct and monitor student use through the use of filtering software.  The Filtering Committee, consisting of APS technical and instructional staff and chaired by the Supervisor, Library and Information Services, determines which categories of Internet sites as delineated within the software are to be blocked based on input from school, library, and central office staff and compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Code of Virginia. Data Network Services manages the filtering software.

Requests to block additional categories or specific sites are made by the requesting staff member through the building or program administrator to the Assistant Superintendent, Instruction.

Requests to un-block categories or specific sites are made by the requesting staff member through the building or program administrator to the Assistant Superintendent, Instruction. Requests to un-block must include both an explanation of the instructional need of the material within the site and the grade level access that is requested.

However, it continues to be the responsibility of the individual user not to initiate access to inappropriate material.  If such material is encountered, the user is expected to exit immediately.

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Consequences
for Inappropriate or Illegal Use of Networked Information Resources

Violations of the Code of Ethics may result in loss of access, additional disciplinary action consistent with existing practice and policy, and/or if appropriate, referral to the police.

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Areas of Responsibility

1. School administrators are responsible for informing school staffs of the Code of Ethics through the Technology Users Guidelines.

2. School staffs are responsible for informing students and their parents of the Code of Ethics through the distribution of the Technology Users Guidelines.

3. School staffs are responsible for providing guidance and monitoring student use.

4. All technology users are responsible for reviewing and abiding by the Code of Ethics.

5. Authorized Arlington Public School personnel may review files and communications to maintain system integrity.  All users should assume that electronic communications and storage are not private, permanent, nor necessarily secure.

6. Arlington Public Schools is not responsible for any unauthorized access or damages resulting from the loss of data, delays, service interruptions, or the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its electronic resources.

7. Arlington Public Schools is responsible for remaining in compliance with State and Federal telecommunication laws and regulations.

8. Arlington Public Schools is not responsible for student or staff use of technology resources outside of school.  However, staff or students may be disciplined for any technology use whatsoever that negatively affects the Arlington Public Schools or that negatively affects the ability or fitness of any staff person to effectively serve the school.