Instruction

Student Use of Technology

The Governing Board intends that technological resources provided by the district be used in a safe, responsible, and proper manner in support of the instructional program and for the advancement of student learning.

(cf. 0440 - District Technology Plan)
(cf. 1113 - District and School Web Sites)
(cf. 4040 - Employee Use of Technology)
(cf. 5131 - Conduct)
(cf. 6163.1 - Library Media Centers)

The Superintendent or designee shall notify students and parents/guardians about authorized uses of district computers, user obligations and responsibilities, and consequences for unauthorized use and/or unlawful activities in accordance with district regulations and the district's Acceptable Use Agreement.  

(cf. 5125.2 - Withholding Grades, Diploma or Transcripts)
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)
(cf. 5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)
(cf. 5144.2 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process (Students with Disabilities))
(cf. 5145.12 - Search and Seizure)

Before a student is authorized to use the district's technological resources, the student and his/her parent/guardian shall sign and return the Acceptable Use Agreement specifying user obligations and responsibilities. In that agreement, the student and his/her parent/guardian shall agree not to hold the district or any district staff responsible for the failure of any technology protection measures, violations of copyright restrictions, or user mistakes or negligence.  They shall also agree to indemnify and hold harmless the district and district personnel for any damages or costs incurred.

(cf. 6162.6 - Use of Copyrighted Materials)

The Superintendent or designee, with input from students and appropriate staff, shall regularly review and update this policy, the accompanying administrative regulation, and other relevant procedures to enhance the safety and security of students using the district's technological resources and to help ensure that the district adapts to changing technologies and circumstances. 

Use of District Computers for Online Services/Internet Access

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all district computers with Internet access have a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors and that the operation of such measures is enforced.  (20 USC 6777, 47 USC 254)

To reinforce these measures, the Superintendent or designee shall implement rules and procedures designed to restrict students' access to harmful or inappropriate matter on the Internet and to ensure that students do not engage in unauthorized or unlawful online activities.   Staff shall supervise students while they are using online services and may have teacher aides, student aides, and volunteers assist in this supervision.

The Superintendent or designee also shall establish regulations to address the safety and security of students and student information when using email, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication.

The Superintendent or designee shall provide age-appropriate instruction regarding safe and appropriate behavior on social networking sites, chat rooms, and other Internet services.  Such instruction shall include, but not be limited to, the dangers of posting personal information online, misrepresentation by online predators, how to report inappropriate or offensive content or threats, behaviors that constitute cyberbullying, and how to respond when subjected to cyberbullying. 

Student use of district computers to access social networking sites is prohibited.  To the extent possible, the Superintendent or designee shall block access to such sites on district computers with Internet access.

Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
51006  Computer education and resources
51007  Programs to strengthen technological skills
51870-51874  Education technology
60044  Prohibited instructional materials
PENAL CODE
313  Harmful matter
502  Computer crimes, remedies
632  Eavesdropping on or recording confidential communications
653.2  Electronic communication devices, threats to safety
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 15
6501-6506  Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
6751-6777  Enhancing Education Through Technology Act, Title II, Part D, especially:
6777  Internet safety
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 47
254  Universal service discounts (E-rate)
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 16
312.1-312.12  Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 47
54.520  Internet safety policy and technology protection measures, E-rate discounts

Management Resources:
CSBA PUBLICATIONS
Cyberbullying:  Policy Considerations for Boards, Policy Brief, July 2007
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION PUBLICATIONS
How to Protect Kids' Privacy Online:  A Guide for Teachers, December 2000
MY SPACE.COM PUBLICATIONS
The Official School Administrator's Guide to Understanding MySpace and Resolving Social Networking Issues
WEB SITES
CSBA:  http://www.csba.org
American Library Association:  http://www.ala.org
California Coalition for Children's Internet Safety: http://www.cybersafety.ca.gov
California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov
Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use: http://csriu.org
Federal Communications Commission: http://www.fcc.gov
Federal Trade Commission, Children's Online Privacy Protection: http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/privacyinitiatives/childrens.html
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov
Web Wise Kids:  http://www.webwisekids.org

(11/05  7/07)  3/09

Board Approval: November 17, 2011