INTERNET SAFETY Public Hearing

1. September 8, 2011 INTERNET SAFETY Public Hearing

2. Schools or school divisions are required to establish guidelines for the appropriate use of computer networks. Such guidelines are generally called an Acceptable Use Policy or AUP. • By definition, 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 technology-use. • It includes definitions of acceptable online behavior and access privileges.

3. To remain compliant with CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act), school districts hold public hearings to address Internet Safety Policies and Procedures. • Network and Internet functionality and protection is mission critical. Because of the emphasis and daily requirements of technology, it is paramount that all precautions are being taken and that systems are working and secure.

4. At this time, we have two methods to help ensure Internet safety and block inappropriate material. Lightspeed Systems provides network security and a content filtering system. • Secondary filtering is provided though an 8E6 system maintained by the Alabama Supercomputer Authority.

5. Unfortunately, technology-savvy students are tempted to circumnavigate such precautions. • This is one reason all students (and their parents) sign an AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) in which they agree to use the technology responsibly. • In the event a student violates the AUP, technology access can be revoked. Other disciplinary action may follow, depending on the nature of the violation.

6. Updated AUPs • In August 2011, ECBOE updated both Student and Employee AUPs. • Using Google Docs, final AUP drafts were created to reflect 21st Century technologies and concerns . • Approximately a six-week collaboration • Collaborators: school leaders, board members, EEA leaders, board attorney, and technology coordinators

7. All employees sign an AUP. They are held to a high standard of technology usage and implementation. • It is agreed that the best preventive measure is adequate supervision. It is the responsibility of all employees to supervise and monitor technology usage. • This information can also be found on the district website (http://www.ecboe.org) under the Student/Parent Channel. • Questions or concerns? Please email me if you have any questions: melissa_shields@ecboe.org

9. Internet Safety Training • Both Dr. Kim Mintz and Melissa Shields received specialized internet safety training by participating in an E-learning Class (February 2011-August 2011) entitled “Internet Safety for Schools in the Digital Era.” • The information gleaned from this training has been shared district-wide to students, staff, and stakeholders. • An ECBOE Internet Safety website has also been created: http://www.ecboe.org/internetsafety

10. Social Media Recommendations for ECBOE Educators • ECBOE recognizes the value of social media, both for personal and professional use.  However, there are some guidelines that should be addressed when educators use social media.  • Recommendations have been provided to better protect (and inform)  ECBOE employees from charges of inappropriate use.  • http://www.ecboe.org/socialmediaguidelines

11. Technology Update September 8, 2011

12. Good News! • EIGHT Certified Promethean Trainers • Chad Strawn, FarrahKilgo, Dena Statum, Cara Whitehed, Dana Sweeney, Mark Snead, Kim White, and Beth Knight • 25 Summer Technology Workshops (over 400 attendees) •  Distance Learning / ACCESS • 712 students enrolled last year (344 students in 2008-2009) • 8th Grade Students now participating • Credit Recovery now available - FREE

13. Distance Learning / ACCESS 1st Semester: 439 Students Enrolled (All Six High Schools and 3 Middle Schools) • Video Conference Instruction Courses (120 Students): Chemistry, Calculus, Human Anatomy, AP US HY, Psychology, Sociology, Floral Design • Distance-Learning Courses (319 Students): Accounting I, ACT Prep, Advanced Business Tech Applications, Algebra II w/ Trig, Algebraic Connections, Arts Survey, AP Composition, AP Literature, Calculus, Computer Programming, Creative Writing, English II, English 12, Environmental Science, Floral Design, Forensic Science, French I, French II, German II, Global Studies, Health, History of Holocaust, Latin I, Latin II, Marine Science, Multimedia Design I, Nutrition and Wellness, Personal Finance, Physical Science, Poetry, Pre-Calculus, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish I, Spanish II, U.S. Government, U.S. History, Workforce Essentials, Web Design I, Web Design II

14. ACCESS in ECBOE Middle Schools

15. Over 7100 Registered Users • Centricity2 Upgrade currently underway • 73% of our teachers routinely communicate with parents/students/stakeholders via email/website (IMPACT Survey)

16. ECBOE Impact Survey Item #33: In the past 12 months, to what degree have your technology-professional development needs been met? 2011 – 82% (high degree-completely) 2010 – 74% 2009 – 40% Item #15: How many of you use a Digital Projector to teach your students? 2011 – 64% 2010 – 48%

17. Speak-Up Survey (Parents k-12) Do you think your child’s school is doing a good job preparing today’s students for jobs in the 21st Century? 2011 Yes – 67% (higher than the national average!) 2010 Yes – 47% 2009 Yes – 33%

18. Speak-Up Survey (Students 6-12) • How could your school make it easier for you to use technology? • Allow great access to websites – 69% • Let me use my cell/smart phone – 76%

19. Get it! Initiative http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG7wyTW74W0

21. Lots of New Technologies! • Flip Cameras • Sound Amplification • Systems • Document Cameras • Netbooks • Promethean Technologies • ActivSlates, Wands, ActiView, ActivExpressions, ActivVotes

22. Technology Grants $128,000 • A+ College Ready - $20,000 (HBHS and SSHS) • Technology, Equipment, and Supplies • 2010-11 EETT Competitive - $108,000 (primarily HBMS, GMS, and RMS for READ Initiative) • Technology and Professional Development • No EETT Grants will be offered this year.

23. Teacher Technology Grant Website Hundreds of grants have been posted on the district website at http://www.ecboe.org/grants Grant resources, including tips and “buzz words,” have also been posted.

24. Concerns • Limited funding and/or grant opportunities for upcoming year • Technology has tripled which tech support has remained the same • Replacement cycle?

25. Questions / Comments