SELECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
 

I.          Responsibility for Selection of Instructional Materials
 

A.         The board is responsible for matters relating to the operation of the Harlan Community School District.
 

B.         The responsibility for the selection of instructional materials is delegated to the professionally trained and licensed employees of the school system.  
 

C.        While selection of materials may involve many people including principals, teacher-librarian, students, parents and community members, the responsibility for coordinating the selection of most instructional materials and making the recommendation for the purchase rests with licensed employees. 
 

D.        Responsibility for coordinating the selection of text materials for distribution to classes will rest with the licensed employees, principal and superintendent.  
 

E.         If the board appoints an ad hoc committee to make recommendations on the selection of instructional materials, the ad hoc committee is formed and appointed in compliance with the board policy on Ad Hoc Committees.
 

1.         The superintendent will inform the committee as to their role and responsibility in the process.

2.         The following statement is given to the ad hoc committee members:

 

Bear in mind the principles of the freedom to learn and to read and base your decision on these broad principles rather than on defense of individual materials.  Freedom of inquiry is vital to education in a democracy.

 

Study thoroughly all materials referred to you and read available reviews.  The general acceptance of the materials should be checked by consulting standard evaluation aids and local holdings in other schools.

 

Passages or parts should not be pulled out of context.  The values and faults should be weighed against each other and the opinions based on the material as a whole.

 

In the event material is challenged, your report, presenting both majority and minority opinions, will be presented by the principal to the complainant at the conclusion of our discussion of the questioned material.

 

II.         Material selected for use in libraries and classrooms will meet the following guidelines:
 

A.         Religion - Material will represent the major religions in a factual, unbiased manner.  The primary source material of the major religions is considered appropriate, but material which advocates rather than informs, or is designed to sway reader judgment regarding religion, will not be included in the school libraries or classrooms.
 

B.         Racism - Material will present a diversity of race, custom, culture, and belief as a positive aspect of the nation's heritage and give candid treatment to unresolved intercultural problems, including those which involve prejudice, discrimination, and the undesirable consequences of withholding rights, freedom, or respect of an individual. Required material will comply with all applicable laws.  
 

C.        Sexism - Material will reflect sensitivity to the needs, rights, traits and aspirations of individuals without preference or bias.  Required materials will comply with all applicable laws.
 

D.        Age - Material will recognize the diverse contributions of various age groups and portray the continuing contributions of maturing members of society.
 

E.         Ideology - Material will present basic primary and factual information on an ideology or philosophy of government which exerts or has exerted a strong force, either favorably or unfavorably, over civilization or society, past or present.  This material will not be selected with the intention to sway reader judgment and is related to the maturity level of the intended audience.
 

F.         Profanity and Sex - Material is subjected to a test of literary merit and reality by the teacher-librarians and licensed staff who will take into consideration their reading of public and community standards of morality.
 

G.        Controversial issues materials will be directed toward maintaining a balanced collection representing various views.

 

The selection decision should be made on the basis of whether the material presents an accurate representation of society and culture, whether the circumstances depicted are realistically portrayed, or whether the material has literary or social value when the material is viewed as a whole.

 

These guidelines will not be construed in such a manner as to preclude materials which accurately represent the customs, morals, manners, culture, or society of a different time or a different place.

 

III.        Procedure for Selection
 

A.         Material purchased for libraries and classrooms is recommended for purchase by licensed employees, in consultation with administrative staff, school library staff, students or an ad hoc committee as appointed by the board.  The material recommended for purchase is approved by the appropriate building administrator. 
 

1.         The materials selected will support stated objectives and goals of the school district.  Specifically, the goals are:
 

a.         To acquire materials and provide service consistent with the demands of the curriculum;

b.         To develop students' skills and resourcefulness in the use of libraries and learning resources;

c.         To effectively guide and counsel students in the selection and use of materials and libraries;

d.         To foster in students a wide range of significant interests;

e.         To provide opportunities for aesthetic experiences and development of an appreciation of the fine arts;

f.          To provide materials to motivate students to examine their own attitudes and behaviors and to comprehend their own duties and responsibilities as citizens in a pluralistic democracy;

g.         To encourage life-long education through the use of the library; and,

h.         To work cooperatively and constructively with the instructional and administrative staff in the school.
 

2.         Materials selected is consistent with stated principles of selection.  These principles are:

a.         To select material, within established standards, which will meet the goals and objectives of the school district;

b.         To consider the educational characteristics of the community in the selection of materials within a given category;

c.         To present the racial, religious and ethnic groups in the community by:

i.          Portraying people, adults and children, whatever their ethnic, religious or social class identity, as human and recognizable, displaying a familiar range of emotions, both negative and positive.

ii.         Placing no constraints on individual aspirations and opportunity.

iii.         Giving comprehensive, accurate, and balanced representation to minority groups and women - in art and science, history and literature, and in all other fields of life and culture.

iv.        Providing abundant recognition of minority groups and women by showing them frequently in positions of leadership and authority.

d.         To intelligently, quickly, and effectively anticipate and meet needs through awareness of subjects of local, national and international interest and significance; and;

e.         To strive for impartiality in the selection process.

 

3.         The materials selected will meet stated selection criteria.  These criteria are:
 

a.         Authority-Author's qualifications - education, experience, and previously published works;

b.         Reliability:

i.          Accuracy-meaningful organization and emphasis on content, meets the material's goals and objectives, and presents authoritative and realistic factual material.

ii.         Current-presentation of content which is consistent with the finding of recent and authoritative research.

c.         Treatment of subject-shows an objective reflection for the multi-ethnic character and cultural diversity of society.

d.         Language:

i.          Vocabulary
1.         Does not indicate bias by the use of words which may result in negative value judgments about groups of people;

2.         Does not use "man" or similar limiting word usage in generalization or ambiguities which may cause women to feel excluded or dehumanized.

ii.         Compatible to the reading level of the student for whom it is intended.

e.         Format:

i.          Book

1.         Adequate and accurate index;

2.         Paper of good quality and color;

3.         Print adequate and well spaced;

4.         Adequate margins;

5.         Firmly bound; and,

ii.         Nonbook

1.         Flexibility, adaptability;

2.         Curricular orientation of significant interest to students;

3.         Appropriate for audience;

4.         Accurate authoritative presentation;

5.         Good production qualities (fidelity, aesthetically adequate);

6.         Durability; and,

7.         Cost.

iii.         Illustrations of book and nonbook materials should:

1.         Depict instances of fully integrated grouping and settings to indicate equal status and nonsegregated social relationships.

2.         Make clearly apparent the identity of minorities;

3.         Contain pertinent and effective illustrations;

4.         Flexible to enable the teacher to use parts at a time and not follow a comprehensive instructional program on a rigid frame of reference.

f.          Special Features:

i.          Bibliographies.

ii.         Glossary.

iii.         Current charts, maps, etc.

iv.        Visual aids.

v.         Index.

vi.        Special activities to stimulate and challenge students.

vii.        Provide a variety of learning skills.

g.         Potential use:

i.          Will it meet the requirement of reference work?

ii.         Will it help students with personal problems and adjustments?

iii.         Will it serve as a source of information for teachers and librarians?

iv.        Does it offer an understanding of cultures other than the student's own and is it free of racial, religious, age, disability, ethnic, and sexual stereotypes?

v.         Will it expand students' sphere of understanding and help them to understand the ideas and beliefs of others?

vi.        Will it help students and teachers keep abreast of and understand current events?

vii.        Will it foster and develop hobbies and special interest?

1.         Will it help develop aesthetic tastes and appreciation?

viii.       Will it serve the needs of students with special needs?

ix.        Does it inspire learning?

x.         Is it relevant to the subject?

xi.        Will it stimulate a student's interest? 

4.         Gifts of library or instructional materials may be accepted if the gift meets existing criteria for library and instructional materials.  The acceptance and placement of such gifts is within the discretion of the board.

5.         In order to provide a current, highly usable collection of materials, teacher-librarians will ensure constant and continuing renewal of the collection, not only the addition of up-to-date materials, but by the judicious elimination of materials which no longer meet school district needs or find use.  The process of weeding instructional materials will be done according to established and accepted standards for determining the relevance and value of materials in a given context.

I.C. Iowa Code

Iowa Code § 279.8

Iowa Code § 280.14

Iowa Code § 280.3

Iowa Code § 301

 

Administrative Code:

281 I.A.C.12.3

Adopted: Unknown
Revised/Reviewed: 6.22.2020

Revised: 08.21.2023

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE RECONSIDERATION COMMITTEE

The policy of this school district related to selection of learning materials states that any parent or guardian of a current student community may formally challenge instructional materials used in the district's education program.  This policy allows those persons in the school and parents and guardians of current students wo are not directly involved in the selection of materials to make their own opinions known.  The task of the reconsideration committee is to make an informed recommendation on the challenge.  The meetings of the committee may be subject to the open meetings law. 

The most critical component of the reconsideration process is the establishment and maintenance of the committee's credibility in the community.  For this purpose, the committee is composed of community members and licensed employees as detailed in 605.3R1.  The community should not, therefore, infer that the committee is biased or is obligated to uphold prior professional decisions. 

The reconsideration process, the task of this committee, is just one part of the selection continuum.  Material is purchased to meet a need.  It is reviewed and examined, if possible, prior to purchase.  It is periodically re-evaluated through updating, discarding, or re-examination.  The committee must be ready to acknowledge that an error in selection may have been made despite this process.  Librarians and school employees regularly read great numbers of reviews in the selection process, and occasional errors are possible. 

In reconsidering challenged materials, the role of the committee, and particularly the chairperson, is to produce a climate for a meaningful discussion of disparate views.  The committee should begin by finding items of agreement, keeping in mind that the larger the group participating, the greater the amount of information available and, therefore, the greater the number of possible approaches to the problem. 

If the complainant chooses, the complainant may make an oral presentation to the committee to expand and elaborate on the complaint.  The committee will listen to the complainant, to those with special knowledge, and any other interested persons.  In these discussions, the committee should be aware of relevant social pressures which are affecting the situation.  Individuals who may try to dominate or impose a decision must not be allowed to do so.  Minority viewpoints expressed by groups or individuals must be heard, and observers must be made to feel welcome.  It is important that the committee create a calm, nonvolatile environment in which to deal with a potentially volatile situation.  To this end, the complainant will be kept informed of the progress of the complaint. 

The committee will listen to the views of all interested persons before making recommendations.  In deliberating its recommendation, the committee should remember that the school system must be responsive to the needs, tastes, and opinions of the community it serves.  Therefore, the committee must distinguish between broad community sentiment and attempts to impose personal standards.  The deliberations should concentrate on the appropriateness of the material.  The question to be answered by the committee is, "Is the material appropriate for its designated audience at this time?"

The committee's final recommendation will be (1) to remove the challenged material from the total school environment, (2) to take no removal action, or (3) to agree on a limitation of the educational use of the materials.

The committee chairperson will instruct the secretary to convey the committee's recommendation to the office of the superintendent.  The recommendation should detail the rationale on which it was based.  A letter will be sent to the complainant outlining the outcome.

 Adopted: Unknown
Revised/Reviewed: 6.22.2020

Revised:  11.21.2022

Revised: 11.20.2023

RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

 

RECONSIDERATION REQUEST FORM 

Request for re-evaluation of printed or multimedia material to be submitted to the superintendent.

REVIEW INITIATED BY:

DATE:

Name

Address

City/State

Zip Code

Telephone

School(s) in which item is used

Relationship to school (parent, student, citizen, etc.)

BOOK OR OTHER PRINTED MATERIAL IF APPLICABLE:

Author

Hardcover

Paperback

Other

Title

Publisher (if known)

Date of Publication

MULTIMEDIA MATERIAL IF APPLICABLE:

Title

Producer (if known)

Type of material (filmstrip, motion picture, etc.)

PERSON MAKING THE REQUEST REPRESENTS: (circle one)

Self

Group or Organization

Name of group

Address of Group

 

  

1.	What brought this item to your attention?
2.	To what in the item do you object?  (please be specific; cite pages, or frames, etc.)
3.	In your opinion, what harmful effects upon students might result from use of this item?
4.	Do you perceive any instructional value in the use of this item?
5.	Did you review the entire item?  If not, what sections did you review?
6.	Should the opinion of any additional experts in the field be considered?
			yes				no
	If yes, please list specific suggestions:
7.	To replace this item, do you recommend other material which you consider to be of equal or superior quality for the purpose intended?

 

 

8.	Do you wish to make an oral presentation to the Review Committee?
		Yes	(a) Please contact the Superintendent
			(b)   Please be prepared at this time to indicate the approximate length of time your presentation will require.  Although this is no guarantee that you'll be allowed to present to the committee, or that you will get your requested amount of time.
						Minutes.
		No
	Dated   Reviewed:  11.20.23				Signature

 SAMPLE LETTER TO INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGING INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Dear:

We recognize your concern about the use of                                                      in our school district.  The school district has developed procedures for selection of instructional materials but realizes that not everyone will agree with every selection made.

To help you understand the selection process, we are sending copies of the school district's:

            1.   Instructional goals and objectives,

            2.   Instructional Materials Selection policy statement, and

            3.   Procedure for reconsideration of instructional materials.

If you are still concerned after you review this material, please complete the Reconsideration Request Form and return it to me.  You may be assured of prompt attention to your request.  If I have not heard from you within one week, we will assume you no longer wish to file a formal complaint.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Adopted: Unknown
Revised/Reviewed: 6.22.2020

RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS REGULATION

 A parent or guardian may raise an objection to instructional materials used in the school district's education program. While the individuals recommending the selection of such material were duly  qualified to make the selection and followed the proper procedure and observed the criteria for selecting such material; the district must be ready to acknowledge that an error in selection may have been made despite this process.  School employees regularly read great numbers of reviews in the selection process, and occasional errors are possible.

1.    The complainant will address the complaint at the lowest organizational level of licensed staff.  Often this will be the classroom teacher.

2.     The school official or employee receiving a complaint regarding instructional or library materials will try to resolve the issue at the lowest organizational level.  The materials generally will remain in use pending the outcome of the reconsideration procedure.

    a.  The School official or employee initially receiving a complaint will explain to the individual the district's selection procedure, criteria to be met by the instructional materials, and qualifications of those persons selecting the material.  

      b.    The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint will explain to the individual the role of the objected material in the education program, its intended educational purpose, and additional information regarding its use.  In the alternative, the employee may refer the individual to the teacher-librarian who can identify and explain the use of the material.

    c.    The school official or employee receiving the initial complaint will direct the complainant to complete the Request for Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Form, and notify the building level principal of receipt of the complaint within two school days after the reconsideration form is received.  School officials will offer to assist the complainant in completing the form, but if a complainant refuses to complete the form, the complaint will be deemed invalid and no further action will be taken.

B.    Request for Reconsideration

    1.  A parent or guardian of a current student may formally challenge instructional and library materials on the basis of appropriateness used in the school district's education program.  This procedure is for the purpose of considering the opinions of those persons in he school districct and the community who are not directly involved in the selection process. 

    2.    Each attendance center and the school district's central administrative office will keep on hand and make available Request for Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Forms.  

    3.    The individual will state the specific reason the instructional or library material is being challenged.  The Request for Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Form is signed by the individual and filed with the building-level principal.  

    4.    The building-level principal will promptly file the objection with the Superintendent for re-evaluation.

    5.   The Superintendent will convene a reconsideration committee within two weeks of receipt of the Reconsideration Form.

    6.   The committee will make their recommendation to the Superintendent within five school days of meeting.

    7.   The Superintendent will issue a decision related to the Reconsideration Request Form within 5 school days of receipt of the committee’s recommendation.  A copy of the Superintendent’s decision will be provided to the complainant.

    8.   An appeal of the Superintendent’s decision may be filed with the board secretary within five days of the Superintendent’s decision.  The board will determine whether to hear the appeal at the next regular meeting or within 30 days of the Superintendent’s decision, whichever is later.  If the board elects to hear the appeal, the board will act to affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the Superintendent.  The board’s decision will be communicated to the complainant. The board’s decision will be deemed final.

    9.   Generally, access to challenged instructional material will not be restricted during the reconsideration process.  However, in unusual circumstances, the instructional material may be removed temporarily by following the provisions of Section B.10.d. of this rule.

   10. The Reconsideration Committee

               a.   The reconsideration committee is made up of six members.

                           (1) One licensed employee designated annually, as needed, by the superintendent.

                           (2) One teacher-librarian designated annually by the superintendent.

                           (3) One member of the administrative team designated annually by the superintendent.

                           (4) Three members of the community are appointed annually, as needed, by the board.

               b.   The committee will select their chairperson and secretary.

              c.  The committee will meet at the request of the superintendent. 

               d.  Special meetings may be called by the board to consider temporary removal of materials in unusual circumstances.  A recommendation for temporary removal will require a two-thirds vote of the committee.

                 e.   The committee may be subject to applicable open meetings and public records laws.  Notice of the committee meeting is made public through appropriate communication methods as required by law.

               f.    The committee will receive the completed Reconsideration Request Form from the superintendent.

               g.   The committee will determine its agenda for the meeting which may include the following:

                         (1) Distribution of copies of the completed Reconsideration Request Form.

                         (2)    An opportunity for the individual or a group spokesperson to talk about or expand on the Reconsideration Request Form.

                         (3)    Distribution of reputable, professionally prepared reviews of the challenged instructional material if available.

                         (4)    Distribution of copies of the challenged instructional material as available.

                 h.    The Committee will determine whether interested persons, including the individual filing the challenge, may have the opportunity to share their views.  The committee may request that individuals with special knowledge be present to give information to the committee. 

                  i.    The committee's final recommendation may be to take no removal action, to remove the challenged material from the school environment, or to limit the educational use of the challenged material.  The sole criterion for the final recommendation is the appropriateness of the material for its intended educational use.  The written final recommendation and its justification are forwarded to the superintendent, the complainant and the appropriate attendance centers.

                   j.    The individual filing the challenge is kept informed by the Superintendent of the status of the reconsideration request throughout the reconsideration process.  The individual filing the challenge and known interested parties are given appropriate notice of meetings as required by law.

                  k.    Following the superintendent’s decision with respect to the committee's recommendation, the individual may appeal the decision to the board for review.  

                   l.    A recommendation to sustain a challenge will not be interpreted as a judgment of irresponsibility on the part of the individuals involved in the original selection or use of the material.

                  m.    Requests to reconsider materials which have previously been reconsidered by the committee must receive approval of two-thirds of the committee members before the materials will again  be reconsidered.  

                   n.    If necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the committee, the committee may consolidate related challenges, or decline to hear multiple challenges to the same materials.  Generally, the committee will not hear subsequent challenges to the same materials within the same school year.

Adopted: Unknown
Revised/Reviewed: 6.22.2020

Revised:  08.21.2023

Harlan Community Schools

Internet Use and Regulations Letter to Parents

NOTE:  ONLY if you are moving from one level to another (middle school to high school) or new to the school district, please complete and return the permission form, either granting or denying your son/daughter permission to access the Internet.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

The Harlan Community School District would like to offer your student access to the electronic means of communication known as the Internet.  The Internet is a collection of interconnected computer networks.  The vast domain of information contained with Internet’s libraries can provide unlimited research opportunities to students.

Students will be able to access the Internet through their individual accounts.  Student electronic mail is provided primarily for school use.  Personal use is allowed; however, failure to abide by school guidelines and inappropriate use of the internet will result in the cancellation of the student’s account.

Student use of the Internet and district network resources may include the posting of student work or images to district publications including web sites.

Students will be expected to abide by the following network etiquette:

• The use of network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of school/classroom policy.As users of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks.Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures.Students must abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks.
• Students must respect all copyright and license agreements.
• Students must cite all quotes, references and sources.
• Student use of “chat rooms” is prohibited.
• Students must apply the same privacy, ethical, and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communications.
• Students who “steal” the passwords of others risk removal from the network.
• Students who share their passwords with others risk removal from the network.
• Internet and electronic mail will be monitored electronically.
• The Harlan Community School District will cooperate with any law enforcement agency investigating the inappropriate use of the Internet.

Remember that electronic mail is not private.  Never send private or confidential material.  Students must adhere to the following electronic mail guidelines:

1. Read and download or delete email on a regular basis.
2. Report offensive messages immediately to the classroom teacher.
3. Use of vulgar, abusive or threatening language is prohibited.
4. Email broadcasting can be used only with the permission of the classroom teacher.

We are enclosing a permission form.  If you are moving from one level to another (middle school to high school) or new to the school district, please complete and return the permission form, either granting or denying your son/daughter permission to access the Internet.

A copy of the Internet Appropriate Use Violation Notice is also enclosed.  Students who access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items or send messages with vulgar/abusive/threatening language while on the Internet shall be subject to the consequences listed in the Notice.

If further information is desired, please feel free to contact your building level administration.

Sincerely,

Superintendent

INTERNET APPROPRIATE USE VIOLATION NOTICE 

Student ________________________________ 

Administrator ___________________________ 

Date ___________________________________

Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications:

Students who access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items or send messages with vulgar/abusive/threatening language while on the Internet shall be subjected to the following consequences:

____    First Violation:

      For the first violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), a verbal and written "First Violation" warning notice will be issued to the student by the principal's office using the prescribed form.  The student will be assigned to 5 hours of school service.  A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the principal's office. 

____    Second Violation:

      Upon the second violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), a verbal and written "Second Violation" infraction notice will be issued to the student by the principal's office using the prescribed form.  The student will be assigned to 10 hours of school service.  A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.

____    Third Violation:

      Upon the third violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), a verbal and written "Third Violation" infraction notice will be issued to the student by the principal's office using the prescribed form.  The student will be subject to disciplinary measures which may include, but are not limited to, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.  A copy of the notice will be sent by registered mail to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office. 

The administration and the Board of Education reserve the right to deviate from the suggested progression of consequences if the severity of the offense deems that appropriate.

COMPUTER/NETWORK/INTERNET USE REGULATION

I.    Responsibility for computer/network/Internet Appropriate Use

1. The Board of Directors is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the Harlan Community School District 
2. The authority for appropriate use of computer/network/Internet resources is delegated to the trained staff employed by the school district.For the purpose of this policy, Internet is defined as the following:

            Internet is a collection of interconnected computer networks involving millions of computers and tens of millions of users around the world.  It is a collaboration of private, public, educational, commercial, governmental and industrial sponsored networks whose operators cooperate to maintain the network infrastructure.

      C. Training in the proper use of the computer/network/Internet system will be available to staff members who will then provide similar training to their students.

1. All users are expected to practice appropriate use of the computer/network/Internet system.Violations of appropriate use will result in disciplinary action.Illegal uses of district computer/network/Internet resources may also result in referral to law enforcement authorities. 
2. The Harlan Community School District will at all times employ technology protection measures designed to protect students from inappropriate access including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. 
3. Staff, students, and others should have no expectation of privacy when using district computer/network/Internet resources.The district retains control, custody and supervision of all computers, networks, and Internet services owned or leased by the school district. The district reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by employees, students and other system users. Employees have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, including e-mail messages and stored files. 
4. Employees are expected to use appropriate judgment and caution in communications concerning students and staff to ensure that personally identifiable information remains confidential.
5. Staff and students shall be responsible for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the school district related to violations of this policy and/or these rules.

 

II.  Internet Access

      A.  Access to the Internet should be made available to all staff and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.

      B.  Staff and students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers as well as through individual accounts, if approved by the building administrator.   An Internet account will give access to the world wide web, ftp, Gopher, Telnet, Blogs, Newsgroups, etc. 

1.   Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students.  However on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials.  Because information on the Internet appears, disappears, and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.

2.   It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet, while protecting the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material.

3.  The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines requiring efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of network resources.

4.   In order to reduce unnecessary system traffic, users may use real-time conference features such as talk/chat/Internet relay chat only with the approval of the network administrator.

5.   Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any district, local, state, or federal law is prohibited. 

6.   Correct citation of material obtained over the Internet is required.

7.   Downloaded files must be checked for viruses in order to avoid spreading computer viruses in our local area networks (LANs).

8.   The school district makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy of the information received on the Internet.

III.  Permission to Use Internet

            Annually, the parent/guardian shall grant or deny student permission to use the Internet resources on a building-by-building (Primary, Intermediate, Middle School, High School) basis.  This will be done using the “Internet Access Permission Form for Students.”  Permission will remain in effect unless withdrawn by supervisory personnel under the terms of part V of this policy -- “Student Violations; Consequences and Notification'," or by the parent/guardian at any time.

IV.  Staff/Student Use of the Computer/network/Internet  

      A.  Equal Opportunity       

1.   Computer/network/Internet shall be available to all staff/students who have received training on its appropriate use, within the District through their teachers as well as through group and individual accounts.  The amount of time available to staff and students may be limited by the number of available CPU’s and the demand for use.

2.   The computer/network/Internet applications, which are available to individuals having a user account, are shared by everyone using that computer on the network.  It is important that individuals follow the procedures given in the training in order to ensure the smooth operation of the network for everyone on it.

B.  On-line/Network Etiquette

1.   The use of the Internet is a privilege and may be revoked for violation of Board policy or regulations.   As users of the Internet, staff and students are allowed access to other networks.  Each network has its own set of policies and procedures.  It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these networks.

2.  Staff/Students must adhere to on-line protocol:

                 a     Respect all copyright and license agreements.

                 b.    Cite all quotes, references, and sources.

                 c.    Remain on the Internet long enough to get needed

                        information, then exit the Internet.

                 d.    Apply the same privacy, ethical, and educational

                        considerations utilized in other forms of communication.

3.   Staff and student access for electronic mail will be through their teachers as well as through individual accounts, if approved by the building administrator.  Remember that electronic mail is not private; never send private or confidential material.  Staff/Students must adhere to the following electronic mail guidelines.

                 a.    Read and download or delete email on a regular basis.

                 b.    Delete unwanted messages immediately.

                 c.    Use of vulgar and/or abusive language is prohibited.

                 d.    Always sign your name to messages.

                 e.    Always acknowledge that you have received a document or

                        file that someone has sent you.

                 f.     Mailing lists of any type may not be subscribed to unless                          permission is received in advance from the system                                administrator.

4.   Staff and student access to social networking sites (newsgroups, blogs, etc.) will be through staff, group, or individual accounts, if approved by the building administrator.

                  a.   Use of vulgar and/or abusive language is prohibited.

                  b.   Use of such sites during school hours must be approved by

                        the supervising teacher and be for school-related purposes

                        only

1. Use of such sites outside of school hours using a school

District owned computing device is subject to the

Internet/Network Appropriate Use Policy.  Parents must notify the school district at the beginning of the school year if they do not want the school district to allow access to social networking sites outside of school hours.

 

      C.  Restricted Material

 

      Staff/students shall not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any form of communication that includes material which is obscene, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane, or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, or will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.    

      The Harlan Community School District will at all times employ  technology protection measures designed to protect students from inappropriate access including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors.

      D.  Unauthorized Costs

The Harlan Community School District assumes no responsibility for unauthorized charges, costs or illegal use of district computer/network/Internet resources.  The school district assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by employees or students including but not limited to credit card charges, subscriptions, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.  If a staff member or student gains access to any service via the district computer/network/Internet resources which has a cost involved, or if a staff member or student incurs other types of costs, the Harlan Community School District will not be responsible for those costs.  The staff member or student’s parents/ guardian will be responsible for those costs.

E.   Other Prohibited Uses

The employee or student is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school department computers, networks, and Internet services and for his/her computer files, passwords, and accounts. General examples of unacceptable uses which are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:

1. Any use that is illegal or in violation of other Board policies, including harassing, discriminatory or threatening communications and behavior, violations of copyright laws, etc. 
2. Any inappropriate communications with students or minors;
3. Any use for private financial gain, or commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes; 
4. Any use as a forum for communicating by e-mail or any other medium with other school users or outside parties to solicit, proselytize, advocate or communicate the views of an individual or non-school-sponsored organization; to solicit membership in or support of any non-school-sponsored organization; or to raise funds for any non-school-sponsored purpose, whether for-profit or not-for-profit. 
5. No employee or student shall knowingly provide personal or school e-mail addresses to outside parties whose intent is to communicate with school employees, students and/or their families for non-school purposes. Employees who are uncertain as to whether particular activities are acceptable should seek further guidance from the building principal or other appropriate administrator.
6. Any communication that represents personal views as those of the school department or that could be misinterpreted as such;
7. Downloading or loading software or applications without permission from the system administrator.
8. Opening or forwarding any e-mail attachments (executable files) from unknown sources and/or that may contain viruses;
9. Sending mass e-mails to school users or outside parties for non-school purposes without the permission of the technology coordinator.
10. Any malicious use or disruption of the school department's computers, networks, and Internet services or breach of security features;
11. Any misuse or damage to the school department's computer equipment;
12. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access : Sharing passwords, using other users' passwords and/or accessing other users' accounts; 
13. Any communications that are in violation of generally accepted rules of network etiquette and/or professional conduct; 
14. Any attempt to access unauthorized sites;
15. Failing to report a known breach of computer security to the system administrator;
16. Using school computers, networks, and Internet services after such access has been denied or revoked; and any attempt to delete, erase, or otherwise conceal any information stored on a school computer that violates these rules;
17. The forwarding of chain letters.

 

V.   Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications:

 

Students who access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items or send messages with vulgar/abusive threatening language while on the computer/network/Internet shall be subjected to the following consequences:

 

A.   First  Violation:

      For the first violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), a verbal and written "First Violation" warning notice will be issued to the student by the principal's office using the prescribed form.  The student will be assigned to 5 hours of school service.  A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the principal's office. 

B.   Second Violation:

      Upon the second violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), a verbal and written "Second Violation" infraction notice will be issued to the student by the principal's office using the prescribed form.  The student will be assigned to 10 hours of school service.  A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.

C.  Third Violation:

      Upon the third violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1 - June 30), a verbal and written "Third Violation" infraction notice will be issued to the student by the principal's office using the prescribed form.  The student will be subject to disciplinary measures which may include, but are not limited to, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.  A copy of the notice will be sent by registered mail to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office. 

The administration and the Board of Education reserve the right to deviate from the suggested progression of consequences if the severity of the offense deems that appropriate.

VI.  Employee Violations:

Employees who are in violation of this policy and/or these rules are subject to discipline up to termination.

USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES REGULATION

Employees and students may make copies of copyrighted materials that fall within the following guidelines. Where there is reason to believe the material to be copied does not fall within these guidelines, prior permission shall be obtained from the publisher or producer with the assistance of the teacher-librarian. Employees and students who fail to follow this procedure may be held personally liable for copyright infringement and may be subject to discipline by the board.

Under the "fair use" doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research.  Under the fair use doctrine, each of the following four standards must be met in order to use the copyrighted document:

• Purpose and Character of the Use – The use must be for such purposes as teaching or scholarship.
• Nature of the Copyrighted Work – The type of work to be copied.
• Amount and Substantiality of the Portion Used – Copying the whole of a work cannot be considered fair use; copying a small portion may be if these guidelines are followed.
• Effect of the Use Upon the Potential Market for or value of the Copyrighted Work – If resulting economic loss to the copyright holder can be shown, even making a single copy of certain materials may be an infringement, and making multiple copies presents the danger of greater penalties.

Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Material Reminders:

• Materials on the Internet should be used with caution since they may, and likely are, copyrighted.
• Proper attribution (author, title, publisher, place and date of publication) should always be given.
• Notice should be taken of any alterations to copyrighted works, and such alterations should only be made for specific instructional objectives.
• Care should be taken in circumventing any technological protection measures. While materials copied pursuant to fair use may be copied after circumventing technological protections against unauthorized copying, technological protection measures to block access to materials may not be circumvented.

In preparing for instruction, a teacher may make or have made a single copy of:

• A chapter from a book;
• An article from a newspaper or periodical;
• A short story, short essay or short poem; or,
• A chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon or picture from a book, periodical or newspaper.

A teacher may make multiple copies not exceeding more than one per pupil, for classroom use or discussion, if the copying meets the tests of “brevity, spontaneity and cumulative effect” set by the following guidelines.  Each copy must include a notice of copyright.

• Brevity

• A complete poem, if less than 250 words and two pages long, may be copied; excerpts from longer poems cannot exceed 250 words;
• Complete articles, stories or essays of less than 2500 words or excerpts from prose works less than 1000 words or 10% of the work, whichever is less may be copied; in any event, the minimum is 500 words;
• Each numerical limit may be expanded to permit the completion of an unfinished line of a poem or prose paragraph; 
• One chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon or picture per book or periodical issue may be copied.“Special” works cannot be reproduced in full; this includes children's books combining poetry, prose or poetic prose. Short special works may be copied up to two published pages containing not more than 10 percent of the work.

• Spontaneity – Should be at the “instance and inspiration” of the individual teacher when there is not a reasonable length of time to request and receive permission to copy.
• Cumulative Effect – Teachers are limited to using copied material for only one course for which copies are made.  No more than one short poem, article, story or two excerpts from the same author may be copied, and no more than three works can be copied from a collective work or periodical column during one class term. Teachers are limited to nine instances of multiple copying for one course during one class term.  Limitations do not apply to current news periodicals, newspapers and current news sections of other periodicals.

Copying Limitations

Circumstances will arise when employees are uncertain whether or not copying is prohibited.  In those circumstances, the, teacher librarian should be contacted.  The following prohibitions have been expressly stated in federal guidelines:

• Reproduction of copyrighted material shall not be used to create or substitute for anthologies, compilations or collective works.
• Unless expressly permitted by agreement with the publisher and authorized by school district action, there shall be no copying from copyrighted consumable materials such as workbooks, exercises, test booklets, answer sheets and the like.
• Employees shall not:

• Use copies to substitute for the purchase of books, periodicals, music recordings, consumable works such as workbooks, computer software or other copyrighted material. Copy or use the same item from term to term without the copyright owner's permission;
• Copy or use more than nine instances of multiple copying of protected material in any one term;
• Copy or use more than one short work or two excerpts from works of the same author in any one term;
• Copy or use protected material without including a notice of copyright. The following is a satisfactory notice: NOTICE: THIS MATERIAL MAY BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW.
• Reproduce or use copyrighted material at the direction of someone in higher authority or copy or use such material in emulation of some other teacher's use of copyrighted material without permission of the copyright owner.
• Require other employees or students to violate the copyright law or fair use guidelines.

 Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Materials in the Library

A library may make a single copy or three digital copies of:

• An unpublished work in its collection;
• A published work in order to replace it because it is damaged, deteriorated, lost or stolen, provided that an unused replacement cannot be obtained at a fair price.
• A work that is being considered for acquisition, although use is strictly limited to that decision. Technological protection measures may be circumvented for purposes of copying materials in order to make an acquisition decision.

A library may provide a single copy of copyrighted material to a student or employee at no more than the actual cost of photocopying.  The copy must be limited to one article of a periodical issue or a small part of other material, unless the library finds that the copyrighted work cannot be obtained elsewhere at a fair price.  In the latter circumstance, the entire work may be copied.  In any case, the copy shall contain the notice of copyright and the student or staff member shall be notified that the copy is to be used only for private study, scholarship or research.  Any other use may subject the person to liability for copyright infringement. 

Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Music or Dramatic Works 

Teachers may:

• Make a single copy of a song, movement, or short section from a printed musical or dramatic work that is unavailable except in a larger work for purposes of preparing for instruction;
• Make multiple copies for classroom use of an excerpt of not more than 10% of a printed musical work if it is to be used for academic purposes other than performance, provided that the excerpt does not comprise a part of the whole musical work which would constitute a performable unit such as a complete section, movement, or song;
• In an emergency, a teacher may make and use replacement copies of printed music for an imminent musical performance when the purchased copies have been lost, destroyed or are otherwise not available.
• Make and retain a single recording of student performances of copyrighted material when it is made for purposes of evaluation or rehearsal;
• Make and retain a single copy of excerpts from recordings of copyrighted musical works for use as aural exercises or examination questions; and,
• Edit or simplify purchased copies of music or plays provided that the fundamental character of the work is not distorted. Lyrics shall not be altered or added if none exist.

Performance by teachers or students of copyrighted musical or dramatic works is permitted without the authorization of the copyright owner as part of a teaching activity in a classroom or instructional setting.  The purpose shall be instructional rather than for entertainment. 

Performances of nondramatic musical works that are copyrighted are permitted without the authorization of the copyright owner, provided that:

• The performance is not for a commercial purpose;
• None of the performers, promoters or organizers are compensated; and,
• Admission fees are used for educational or charitable purposes only.

All other musical and dramatic performances require permission from the copyright owner.  Parents or others wishing to record a performance should check with the sponsor to ensure compliance with copyright.

Recording of Copyrighted Programs  

Television programs, excluding news programs, transmitted by commercial and non-commercial television stations for reception by the general public without charge may be recorded off-air simultaneously with broadcast transmission (including simultaneous cable retransmission) and retained by a school for a period not to exceed the first forty-five (45) consecutive calendar days after date of recording.  Upon conclusion of this retention period, all off-air recordings must be erased or destroyed immediately.  Certain programming such as that provided on public television may be exempt from this provision; check with the teacher librarian or the subscription database, e.g. unitedstreaming.

Off-air recording may be used once by individual teachers in the course of instructional activities, and repeated once only when reinforcement is necessary, within a building, during the first 10 consecutive school days, excluding scheduled interruptions, in the 45 calendar day retention period.  Off-air recordings may be made only at the request of and used by individual teachers, and may not be regularly recorded in anticipation of requests.  No broadcast program may be recorded off-air more than once at the request of the same teacher, regardless of the number of times the program may be broadcast.  A limited number of copies may be reproduced from each off-air recording to meet the legitimate needs of teachers.  Each additional copy shall be subject to all provisions governing the original recording.

After the first ten consecutive school days, off-air recordings may be used up to the end of the 45 calendar day retention period only for evaluation purposes, i.e., to determine whether or not to include the broadcast program in the teaching curriculum.  Permission must be secured from the publisher before the recording can be used for instructional purposes after the 10 day period.

Off-air recordings need not be used in their entirety, but the recorded programs may not be altered from their original content.  Off-air recordings may not be physically or electronically combined or merged to constitute teaching anthologies or compilations.  All copies of off-air recordings must include the copyright notice on the broadcast program as recorded.

Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Computer Software 

Schools have a valid need for high-quality software at reasonable prices.  To assure a fair return to the authors of software programs, the school district shall support the legal and ethical issues involved in copyright laws and any usage agreements that are incorporated into the acquisition of software programs.  To this end, the following guidelines shall be in effect: 

• All copyright laws and publisher license agreements between the vendor and the school district shall be observed;
• Staff members shall take reasonable precautions to prevent copying or the use of unauthorized copies on school equipment;
• A back-up copy shall be purchased, for use as a replacement when a program is lost or damaged. If the vendor is not able to supply a replacement, the school district shall make a back-up copy that will be used for replacement purposes only;
• A copy of the software license agreement shall be retained by the technology director
• A computer program may be adapted by adding to the content or changing the language. The adapted program may not be distributed.

Fair Use Guidelines for Educational Multimedia

Students may incorporate portions of copyrighted materials in producing educational multimedia projects such as videos, Power Points, podcasts and web sites for a specific course, and may perform, display or retain the projects. 

Educators may perform or display their own multimedia projects to students in support of curriculum-based instructional activities.  These projects may be used:

• In face-to-face instruction;
• In demonstrations and presentations, including conferences;
• In assignments to students;
• For remote instruction if distribution of the signal is limited;
• Over a network that cannot prevent duplication for fifteen days, after fifteen days a copy may be saved on-site only; or,
• In their personal portfolios.

Educators may use copyrighted materials in a multimedia project for two years, after that permission must be requested and received.

The following limitations restrict the portion of any given work that may be used pursuant of fair use in an educational multimedia project:

• Motion media: ten percent or three minutes, whichever is less;
• Text materials: ten percent or 1,000 words, whichever is less;
• Poetry: an entire poem of fewer than 250 words, but no more than three poems from one author or five poems from an anthology. For poems of greater than 250 words, excerpts of up to 250 words may be used, but no more than three excerpts from one poet or five excerpts from an anthology;
• Music, lyrics and music video: Up to ten percent, but no more than thirty seconds. No alterations that change the basic melody or fundamental character of the work;
• Illustrations, cartoons and photographs: No more that five images by an artist, and no more than ten percent or fifteen images whichever is less from a collective work;
• Numerical data sets: Up to ten percent or 2,500 field or cell entries, whichever is less;

Fair use does not include posting a student or teacher’s work on the Internet if it includes portions of copyrighted materials.  Permission to copy shall be obtained from the original copyright holder(s) before such projects are placed online.  The opening screen of such presentations shall include notice that permission was granted and materials are restricted from further use.

The teacher-librarian is responsible for ensuring that appropriate warning devices are posted.  The warnings are to educate and warn individuals using school district equipment of the copyright law.  Warning notices must be posted:

• On or near compiers;
• On forms used to request copying services;
• On video recorders;
• On computers; and,
• At the library and other places were interlibrary loan orders for copies of materials are acdepted.

Adopted: Unknown
Revised/Reviewed: 6.22.2020

Revised:  08.21.2023