Laura M. Holst
Acceptable Use Policy
October 31, 2000

This document is submitted as partial fulfillment of the requirements of EST 572/CEJ 591.


Discussion of Acceptable Use Policies

"An aup is a written agreement in the form of guidelines, signed by students, their parents and their teachers, outlining the terms and conditions of Internet use-rules of online behavior and access privileges." (Virginia Dept. of Education)

            After reviewing about a dozen acceptable use policies (aup) for school districts K-12, I found  this definition of an aup to be inclusive and succinct. Many aups had quite different presentations.  Some school districts presented their policies in great detail (Boulder Valley and Bellingham) with  separate agreements for teachers, parents and students.  Some adopted the "bare bones" approach (The Governor's School and Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School) and had very brief aups.  If an aup is too lengthy there is the distinct possibility that the document will not be read in its entirety.  If the aup is too brief, key information may have been omitted.  This is true in the Smithtown aup where the signatures of students and parents are not required.  Smithtown only asks for signatures if parents do not want their children to have access to the internet.
            Another aspect that affects readability of an aup is the way the aup is written.  In the Monroe County Community
School Corporation aup the language contains a fair amount of "legalese."  I believe this has a way of discouraging complete readership.  Information regarding the internet may make some parents/guardians uncomfortable because they do not know a great deal about it to begin with so a permission form that is in legalese can be even "scarier."
            In the body of most of the aups reviewed a statement appears regarding access to the internet as being a privilege.  I think this should be stated near the beginning of an aup.  Many of the students in school districts today have grown up with computers in the classroom and probably assume that they have always been there.  These same students may not realize that their access is truly a privilege and not a right.  By clearly stating that access is a privilege, the district can then state expectations regarding behavior and responsibility.  Consequences of irresponsible behavior would be taking away those privileges.


Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet

for the

Laura School District

Introduction

            Access to the internet is available to all administrators, teachers and students  in the Laura School District. Each user of the Laura School District system has to sign an agreement of understanding before being able to obtain access to the internet. This access connects computers and users all over the world.  Along with educational  and useful materials, the internet contains material that may not be appropriate for your child.  This legal document is intended to explain the expectations of the Laura School District for anyone utilizing the computer equipment, facilities and services.

           Access is a privilege, not a right.  Only those who exhibit responsible use of the internet may use it. Inappropriate  use will result in the cancellation of privileges, possible school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action.  Students will be instructed by their teachers on the proper use of the internet and its uses.  The students signature on this document acknowledges this instruction.  If there is question about what is appropriate use, the administration of the Laura School District will have the final decision.
 

Responsible Use


If there are any questions with any of the content in this aup, contact the administrator of the building in which the user utilizes the internet and its services.

In-School Internet Use Agreement

USER-I have read the previous acceptable use policy and understand that the use of the internet is a privilege given to me by the Laura School District.  I understand that I must follow all rules spelled out in the aup and know that if I do not my privileges of use may be revoked.

User's Name (please print)____________________________________________________

Signature______________________________________________________Date___/___/___
 


 
 

Parental/Guardian Permission for Internet Use

PARENT/GUARDIAN-I have read the previous acceptable use policy and understand that the use of the internet is a privilege given to the student listed above by the Laura School District and may be revoked if inappropriate internet behavior is exhibited.  I have discussed the rules spelled out in the aup and believe the student to understand his responsibility.  I understand that it is impossible for the Laura School District to control information available to its students through the internet.
I give my permission for the student named above to use the internet and its services at school.

Parent/Guardian(please Print)___________________________________________________

Signature_____________________________________________________Date___/___/___

Daytime Phone Number______________________________Evening Phone Number__________
 


 
 






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