605.1 Instructional Materials Selection

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.1 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SELECTION

The board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the school district. The board delegates this authority to licensed employees to determine which instructional materials, other than textbooks, will be utilized by the school district. The Superintendent will provide licensed employees necessary training to ensure selected instructional materials comply with applicable laws. All instructional materials are available for review upon request and subject to all applicable laws.

In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, licensed employees will consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to report to the board the action taken by licensed employees.

In the case of textbooks, the board will make the final decision after receiving a recommendation from the superintendent. The criteria stated above for selection of other instructional materials will apply to the selection of textbooks. The superintendent may develop another means for the selection of textbooks. Textbooks are reviewed as needed and at least every seven years.

Education materials gifted to the school district must meet the criteria established above. The gift must be received in compliance with board policy.

The superintendent will establish additional criteria to guide the selection of instructional materials through administrative regulation, ensuring alignment with educational goals and compliance with laws.

Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14; 301 (1995).

Cross Reference: 208 Ad Hoc Committees

505 Student Scholastic Achievement

602 Curriculum Development

605 Instructional Materials

Approved: 6/10/75

Reviewed: 10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised: 10/7/99, 8/21/2023

605.1R1 Selection of Instructional Materials

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.1R1 - SELECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

I. Responsibility for Selection of Instructional Materials

A. The board is responsible for matters relating to the operation of the WACO 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. For the purpose of this rule the term "instructional materials" includes printed and multimedia materials (not equipment), whether considered text materials or library materials. The board retains the final authority for the approval of textbooks.

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. For the purpose of this rule the term 'text materials' includes textbooks and other printed and nonprinted material provided in multiple copies for use of a total class or major segment of a class.

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.

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.

C. Sexism - Material will reflect sensitivity to the needs, rights, traits and aspirations of men and women without preference or bias.

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 complies with all applicable laws and 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:

1. Portraying people, both men and women, 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.

2. Placing no constraints on individual aspirations and opportunity.

3. 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.

4. 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:

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

2. 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:

1. Vocabulary:

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

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

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

e. Format:

1. Book

a. Adequate and accurate index;

b. Paper of good quality and color;

c. Print adequate and well spaced;

d. Adequate margins;

e. Firmly bound; and a

f. Cost.

2. Nonbook

a. Flexibility, adaptability;

b. Curricular orientation of significant interest to students;

c. Appropriate for audience;

d. Accurate authoritative presentation;

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

f. Durability; and,

g. Cost.

3. Illustrations of book and nonbook materials should:

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

b. Make clearly apparent the identity of minorities;

c. 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:

1. Bibliographies.

2. Glossary.

3. Current charts, maps, etc.

4. Visual aids.

5. Index.

6. Special activities to stimulate and challenge students.

7. Provide a variety of learning skills.

g. Potential use:

1. Will it meet the requirement of reference work?

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

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

4. 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?

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

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

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

8. Will it help develop aesthetic tastes and appreciation?

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

10. Does it inspire learning?

11. Is it relevant to the subject?

12. 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.

Approved: 6/10/75

Reviewed: 10/19/15

Revised: 10/7/99, 1/17/22, 8/21/2023

605.2 Instructional Materials Inspection

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.2 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS INSPECTION

Parents and other members of the school district community may view the instructional and library materials used by the students. All instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any federally funded programs must be available for inspection by parents.

Instructional and library materials may be viewed on school district premises.
The district will publish on the district’s website a comprehensive list of all books available to students in libraries operated by the school district.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding the inspection of instructional materials.

NOTE: The federally funded programs portion of this policy is mandatory policy and reflects federal law on the subject of parental rights to inspect instructional materials.

NOTE: The publication requirement listed is a legal requirement. Until July 1, 2025, if districts do not currently use electronic library catalogs, the district may request a waiver from the Department of Education from this requirement.

Legal Reference: Goals 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994).

Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14; 301 (1995).

Cross Reference: 602 Curriculum Development

605 Instructional Materials

901 Public Examination of School District Records

Approved: 11/4/99

Reviewed: 10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised: 8/21/2023

605.3 Objection to Instructional Materials

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3 - OBJECTION TO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Members of the school district community may object to the instructional and library materials utilized in the school district and ask for their use to be reconsidered.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations for reconsideration of instructional materials. Information related to the process for reconsideration of instructional and library materials will be made available on the district’s website.

Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the district have the ability to request that their student not be able to access certain instructional material or check out certain library materials.] For purposes of prohibiting access to instructional materials, Iowa law has defined instructional materials to mean either printed or electronic textbooks and related core materials that are written and published primarily for use in elementary school and secondary school instruction and are required by a state educational agency or district for use by students in the student’s classes by the teacher of record. Instructional materials does not include lesson plans.

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy, including the language allowing parents or guardians to request their student not be provided with certain instructional materials. The district is required to provide this policy and accompanying regulation/exhibits to parents at least annually either in paper or electronic form. The board may edit the policy and regulation to reflect its philosophy, goals and practices.

Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14; 301 (1995).

Cross Reference: 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings

402.5 Public Complaints About Employees

602 Curriculum Development

605 Instructional Materials

Approved: 6/10/75

Reviewed: 10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised: 6/14/84, 8/21/2023

605.3E1 Instructions to the Reconsideration Committee

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3E1 - INSTRUCTIONS TO THE RECONSIDERATION COMMITTEE

The policy of this school district related to selection of learning materials states that any resident of the district may formally challenge instructional materials used in the district's education program. This policy allows those persons in the school and the community who are not directly involved in the selection of materials to make their own opinions known. The task of the reconsideration committee is to provide an open forum for discussion of challenged materials and to make an informed decision on the challenge.

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. The community should not, therefore, infer that the Committee is biased or is obligated to uphold prior professional decisions. For this same reason, a community member will be selected to chair the committee.

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 disagreement. However, 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 new complaint, 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 continuously informed of the progress of the complaint.

The committee will listen to the views of all interested persons before reaching a decision. In deliberating its decision, 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 committee's final decision.

Reviewed: 1/17/22

605.3E2 Reconsideration of Instructional Materials

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3E2 - RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

RECONSIDERATION REQUEST FORM

Request for re-evaluation of printed or audiovisual 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

Title ________________________________________________________________

Publisher (if known) ____________________________________________________

Date of Publication ____________________________________________________

AUDIOVISUAL 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 ____________________________________________________

PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

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 of additional experts:

____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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 No

(a) If yes, please call the office of the Superintendent.

(b) If yes, please be prepared at this time to indicate the approximate length of time your presentation will require.

__________ minutes.

Dated Signature

605.3E3 Sample Letter to Individual Challenging Instructional Materials

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3E3 - 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,

605.3E5 - Request to Prohibit a Student From Accessing Specific Instructional Materials Exhibit

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3E5 - REQUEST TO PROHIBIT A STUDENT FROM ACCESSING SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS EXHIBIT

Approved: 8/21/2023

Uploaded Files:

605.3e5_-_request_to_prohibit_accessing_inst_materials.pdf

605.3R1 Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Regulation

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3R1 - RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS REGULATION

A resident of the school district may raise an objection to instructional materials used in the school district's education program despite the fact that the individuals selecting such material were duly qualified to make the selection and followed the proper procedure and observed the criteria for selecting such material.

The principles of the freedom to read and of the professional responsibility of the staff must be defended, rather than the materials.

1.The school official or employee receiving a complaint regarding instructional materials shall try to resolve the issue informally. The materials shall remain in use pending the outcome of the reconsideration procedure.

(a) The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint shall be courteous, but make no commitments. Explain to the individual the board'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 shall 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 media specialist who can identify and explain the use of the material.

2. The employee receiving the initial complaint shall advise the building principal of the initial contact no later than the end of the school day following the discussion with the individual, whether or not the individual has been satisfied by the initial contact. A written record of the contact shall be maintained by the principal in charge of the attendance center.

3. In the event the individual making an objection to instructional materials is not satisfied with the initial explanation, the individual shall be referred to the principal or to the media specialist of the attendance center. If, after consultation with the principal or media specialist, the individual desires to file a formal complaint, the principal or media specialist will assist in filling out a Reconsideration Request Form in full and filing it with the superintendent.

A. Request for Reconsideration

1. A resident of the school district may formally challenge instructional materials on the basis of appropriateness used in the school district's education program. This procedure is primarily for the purpose of considering the opinions of those persons in the school district and the community who are not directly involved in the selection process but does not preclude those involved in the selection process from filing an objection.

2. Each attendance center and the school district's central administrative office will keep on hand and make available Reconsideration Request Forms. Formal objections to instructional materials must be made on this form.

3. The individual shall state the specific reason the instructional material is being challenged. The Reconsideration Request Form shall be signed by the individual and filed with the superintendent.

4. The superintendent shall promptly file the objection with the reconsideration committee for re-evaluation.

5. Generally, access to challenged instructional material shall 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.6.d. of this rule.

B. The Reconsideration Committee

1. The reconsideration committee shall be made up of seven members appointed annually by the board.

(a) Two licensed employees nominated by the superintendent. One shall be from K-6 and the other from 7-12.

(b) One media specialist nominated by the superintendent.

(c) One member of the administrative team nominated by the superintendent.

(d) Three members of the community. The media specialist shall request that the following organizations each nominate one person to serve on the committee. Committee member does not need to be a member of the organization.

Crawfordsville Wednesday Study Club
Olds American Legion
Wayland Lions Club

2. The committee shall annually select their chairperson and secretary from among the three community members.

3. The committee shall meet at the request of the superintendent.

4. Special meetings may be called by the superintendent to consider temporary removal of materials in unusual circumstances. Temporary removal shall require a two-thirds vote of the committee.

5. Notice of committee meetings shall be made public through appropriate publications and other communications methods.

6. The committee shall receive the completed Reconsideration Request Form from the superintendent.

7. The committee shall determine its agenda for the first meeting which may include but is not limited to the following:

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

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

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

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

8. The committee may review the selection process for the challenged instructional material and may, to its satisfaction, determine that the challenge is without merit and dismiss the challenge. The committee will notify the individual and the superintendent of its action.

9. At a subsequent meeting, if held, 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.

10. The individual filing the challenge shall be kept informed by the reconsideration committee secretary on the status of the Reconsideration Request Form throughout the reconsideration process. The individual filing the challenge and known interested parties shall be given appropriate notice of meetings.

11. At the second or a subsequent meeting the committee shall make its decision. 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 criteria for the final decision is the appropriateness of the material for its intended educational use. The written recommendation and its justification shall be forwarded to the superintendent for appropriate action, the individual and the appropriate attendance centers.

Following the superintendent's decision with respect to the committee's recommendation, the individual who filed the complaint or the spokesperson for the group that filed the complaint, or the chairperson, on behalf the majority of the reconsideration committee may appeal the decision to the board for review. Such appeal must be presented to the superintendent in writing within five days following the announcement of the superintendent's decision. The board will promptly determine whether to hear the appeal.

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

13. 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.

14. If necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the committee, the committee may appoint a subcommittee of members or nonmembers to consolidate challenges and to make recommendations to the full committee. The composition of this subcommittee shall approximate the representation of the full committee.

15. Committee members directly associated with the selection, use, or challenger of the challenged material may be excused from the committee during the deliberation of the challenged instructional materials. The superintendent may appoint a temporary replacement for the excused committee member, but the replacement shall be of the same general qualifications as the member excused.

16. Persons dissatisfied with the decision of the board may appeal to the Iowa Board of Education pursuant to state law.

Approved: 11/4/99

Reviewed: 10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised: 8/21/2023

605.4 Technology and Instructional Materials

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.4 - TECHNOLOGY AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The board supports the use of innovative methods and the use of technology in the delivery of the education program. The board encourages employees to investigate economic ways to utilize instructional television, audiovisual materials, any multimedia, computers, and other technological advances as a part of the curriculum.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for the use of technology in the curriculum and to evaluate it annually. The superintendent shall report the results of the evaluation and make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the use of technology in the curriculum.

Failure to abide by district policies and regulations regarding the use of technology and on-line resources may result in denial of these resources. In addition, any student violation may result in discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion. Any employee violation may result in discipline up to and including suspension and dismissal. Violations of state or federal law or regulations may result in the filing of criminal charges.

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

281 I.A.C. 12.5(10), .5(22)

Cross Reference: 602 Curriculum Development

605 Instructional Materials

Approved: 11/4/99

Reviewed: 10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised: 6/10/2002

605.5 Media Centers

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.5 - MEDIA CENTERS

The school district will maintain a media center in each building for use by employees and by students during the school day.

Materials for the libraries will be acquired consistent with all applicable laws and board policy, "Instructional Materials Selection." The district shall provide access to all parents and guardians of students enrolled in the district an online catalog of all books available to students in the school libraries. This access will be displayed on the school district’s website. Any challenges to library materials will be handled following the process for handling challenges to instructional and library materials as established in board policy.

It is the responsibility of the principal of the building in which the school library is located to oversee the use of materials in the library.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop procedures for the selection and replacement of both library and instructional materials, for the acceptance of gifts, and for the weeding of library and instructional materials.

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards. Districts who do not currently have online library catalog software may request a waiver from the DE for the requirement to post a list. Waivers may be accepted until July 1, 2025.

Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.14; 256.7(24); 301 (2001).

281 I.A.C. 12.3(11).

Cross Reference: 602 Curriculum Development

605 Instructional Materials

Approved: 11/4/99

Reviewed: 10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised: 8/21/2023

605.6E1 Internet Access Letter to Parents

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.6E1 - ON-LINE ACCESS PERMISSION LETTER TO PARENTS

Your child has access to electronic communication known as the Internet. The Internet is a collection of more than 20,000 interconnected computer networks. The vast domain of information contained within Internet's libraries can provide unlimited opportunities to students.

Students will be able to access the Internet through their school issued individual student accounts and/or teacher accounts. Individual electronic mail addresses will not be issued to students. If a student already has an electronic mail address, he/she will not be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail at school.

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

· The use of the technology and on-line resources is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. Students will abide by the polices and procedures of these other networks.

· Students will not violate school policies and regulations with respect to use of technology and on-line resources.

· Students will respect all copyright and license agreements.

· Students will correctly cite all quotes, references, and sources.

· Students will only remain on the system long enough to get needed information and log off after each use.

· Students must keep their passwords private and are accountable if someone else uses their password. Students may request a new password at any time.

· Students will apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.

· Students will not have access to electronic mail on their own accounts.

· Students accessing Internet services that have a cost involved will be responsible for payment of those costs.

Please sign the attached form if you would like your child to be granted Internet access and return the form to your child's school.

TECHNOLOGY AND ON-LINE RESOURCES PERMISSION FORM

Sign and return this form to school

Student Name ___________________________________ Date: ___________________

Building:_________________________________________ Grade__________________

[ ] Independent Usage -- I give permission for my child to be granted on-line privileges for independent usage. I have read the policies and procedures set forth by the WACO Community School District and agree to abide by these provisions. I understand that any violation of the provisions will result in the appropriate discipline as outlined in the "Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications" policy. I also agree to be responsible for any "Unauthorized Costs" incurred by the above student while using the Internet.

[ ] Restricted Access -- Staff Supervision Only I give permission for my child to be granted on-line privileges, only with direct staff supervision.

[ ] Denial of Access I request that my child be denied access to on-line resources while a student WACO Community Schools.

(Parent or guardian signature) ______________________________ Date _________

I have read the policies and regulations for technology and on-line resources and agree to abide by these provisions. I understand that violation of these provisions may constitute suspension or revocation of Internet privileges and/or computer usage.

I agree to be responsible for payment of costs incurred by accessing any Internet services that have a cost involved.

Student signature ___________________________________ Date __________

605.6E2 On-Line Resources Appropriate Use Violation Notice

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.6E2 - TECHNOLOGY AND ON-LINE RESOURCES APPROPRIATE USE VIOLATION NOTICE

Student Name ______________________________________ Date: ___________________

Administrator: ___________________________________________________

Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications:

Students who access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items, send messages with vulgar/abusive language while using technology and on-line resources, violate any federal or state law or regulation, violate any of the policies or regulations of the school, or attempt to access a personal e-mail account at school shall be subject to the following consequences:

1. First Offense:

For the first violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Warning" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of three weeks. 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.

2. Second Offense:

For the second violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Second Infraction," notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of nine weeks. 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.

3. Third Offense:

On the third violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Third Infraction" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose all technology and on-line privileges. A copy of notice will be sent by registered mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on filed in the building principal's office.

Any student who has lost his/her technology and on-line privileges by committing a "Third Offense", may at the beginning of the next regular school year petition the superintendent to have his/her technology and on-line privileges reinstated on a trial basis. A "trial basis" places a student on probation for one year. If during this one-year time period the student commits an additional offense, his/her technology and on-line privileges may be suspended for the remainder of his/her time as a student in WACO Community School District.

Alternative assignments will be made available to students who do not have access to technology and online service due to loss of privileges or parental denial.

In addition to the above sanctions, the school may impose discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion from school and/or the filing of criminal charges.

605.6R1 Internet-Appropriate Use Regulation

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.6R1 - APPROPRIATE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ON-LINE RESOURCES REGULATION

I. Responsibility for Appropriate Use of Technology and On-Line Resources

The School Board is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the WACO Community School District.
The authority to supervise appropriate use of technology and on-line resources is delegated to school administrators and the trained staff employed by the school district.
Training in the proper use of technology and on-line resources will be provided to students.
All students are expected to practice appropriate use of the technology and on-line resources. Violations of appropriate use policies and regulations will result in disciplinary action.

II. Technology and On-Line Access

A. For the purpose of WACO policies and regulations, technology and on-line resources are defined as the following:

· Electronic hardware and software including, but not limited to, computers, keyboards and mice, monitors, disk drives, CD-ROMS, printers, scanners, projectors, digital cameras, related peripherals and all computer programs and data stored on disk drives and CD-ROMS.

· Local and Wide Area Networks including network cards, cables, routers, switches, file servers, and the network administration and management software.

· 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.

B. Access to technology and on-line resources should be made available to students as a source of information.

C. Students will be able to access technology and on-line resources through their individual school issued student account and/or teacher accounts. An Internet account will give access to the World Wide Web.

1. Making technology and on-line resource 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 on-line information 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 learning opportunities using technology and on-line resources while we protect the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material. The school district will use protection measures such as Internet filtering to protect students from inappropriate access. In the event a site blocked by the Internet filter is deemed appropriate by a teacher for student use, the teacher may submit a request in writing (or by e-mail) to the technology coordinator to unblock that site. In addition, a teacher may submit a request for authorization to download files from the internet.

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 only with the approval of a school administrator and only for educational purposes.

5. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any district, local, state or federal law is prohibited. Violators will be responsible for fines and fees related to the violation.

6. The school makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.

III. Permission to Use Technology and On-Line Resources

Annually, parents will grant permission for their student to use technology and on-line resources using the prescribed form.

IV. Student Use of Technology and On-Line Resources

A. Equal Opportunity

1. Technology and on-line resources shall be available to students within the District through their individual student account and/or teacher accounts. The amount of time available to students may be limited by the number of available computers and the demand for use.

2. Technology and on-line resources are shared by everyone using the network. It is important to follow proper procedures to insure the smooth operation of the network for everyone using it.

B. Technology and On-line Resources Etiquette

1. The use of technology and on-line resources is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As users of technology and on-line resources, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks.

2. Students should adhere to on-line protocol:

a. Respect all copyright and license agreements.

b. Correctly cite all quotes, references, and sources.

c. Only remain on-line long enough to get needed information.

d. Apply the same privacy, ethical, and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.

e. Be polite to others.

f. Inappropriate language is prohibited.

C. Unacceptable Use of Technology and On-Line Resources

The transmission of any material in violation of federal or state law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of copyrighted or trademarked material, threatening, violent or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.

The list of prohibited activities includes, but is not limited to:

· Damaging electronic hardware and software including, but not limited to, computers, keyboards and mice (including mouse balls), monitors, disk drives, CD-ROMS, printers, scanners, projectors, digital cameras, related peripherals and all computer programs and data stored on disk drives and CD-ROMS.

· Using the technology resources for commercial purposes, product advertisement, non-approved game playing, and unauthorized chat room or chain letter communication.

· Intentionally accessing, downloading, uploading or creating any unauthorized software, programs, text files, pictures, graphic files, sound files, or video files, or engaging in any form of communication that advocates violence, racism, anarchy, treason, discrimination or contains pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material.

· Network activities that use excessive resources in ways that prevent others from accessing the network.

· Writing to system accounts other than the one assigned by the network administrator.

· Downloading or accessing information that advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; encourages the use of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances, use of bombs or bomb making, other incendiary device, or otherwise promotes any activity prohibited by district policy, state, or federal law.

· Forging or attempting to forge electronic messages including attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic messages of other system users. Local, state, or federal laws may apply.

If inappropriate information is accessed unintentionally, the student must immediately report such unintentional access to the teacher or principal in order to avoid being found in violation of this regulation.

Acts of vandalism are prohibited. Vandalism includes, but is not limited to, any attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, to intercept, copy, distribute, decrypt, or use the login names and/or passwords of others, to attempt to secure a higher level of network privilege, to damage hardware or software, to alter the normal performance of hardware or software, or to interrupt the smooth operation of the network. This includes the intentional downloading or installation of computer viruses, applications intended to disrupt the operation of the network system, unauthorized use of another's computer, account passwords, and/or files. Acts of vandalism may result in discipline up to and including suspension, expulsion, or the filing of criminal charges.

The district will cooperate with any investigation concerning or relating to the misuse of the district's technology resources.

D. Unauthorized Costs

If a student gains access to any service via technology and on-line resources which has a cost involved, or if a student incurs other types of costs, the WACO Community School District will not be responsible for those costs. The student and/or the student's parent(s)/guardian will be responsible for those costs.

V. Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications:

Students who attempt to and/or access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items, send messages with vulgar/abusive language while using technology and on-line resources, violate any federal or state law or regulation, violate any of the policies or regulations of the school, or access a personal e-mail account at school shall be subject to the following consequences:

1. First Offense:

For the first violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Warning" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of three weeks. 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.

2. Second Offense:

For the second violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Second Infraction," notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of nine weeks. 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.

3. Third Offense:

On the third violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Third Infraction" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose all technology and on-line privileges. A copy of notice will be sent by registered mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on filed in the building principal's office.

Any student who has lost his/her technology and on-line privileges by committing a "Third Offense", may at the beginning of the next regular school year petition the superintendent to have his/her technology and on-line privileges reinstated on a trial basis. A "trial basis" places a student on probation for one year. If during this one-year time period the student commits an additional offense, his/her technology and on-line privileges may be suspended for the remainder of his/her time as a student in WACO Community School District.

Alternative assignments will be made available to students who do not have access to technology and online service due to loss of privileges or parental denial.

In addition to the above sanctions, the school may impose discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion from school and/or the filing of criminal charges.

TECHNOLOGY CODE OF CONDUCT

WACO Community Schools

· Students have the opportunity to access technology resources to facilitate diversity and personal growth in technology, information gathering skills, and communication skills.

· Students have the opportunity to retrieve information using the Internet.

· The student exercising his/her opportunity to use technology resources as an educational resource shall also accept the responsibility for all material received under his/her user account. Only those students with prior experience or instruction shall be authorized to use technology resources.

· Students have the responsibility to monitor all material received via technology resources.

· Students will accept the responsibility of keeping unauthorized software of any kind from entering the school via technology resources.

· Students will accept the responsibility of keeping all pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network from entering the school via technology resources.

· The Technology Coordinator is responsible for monitoring usage of the network and is also responsible for informing the building principal of any suspected incorrect usage. The building principal will conduct the investigation to determine if school policies or regulations have been violated.

Approved: 11/4/99

Reviewed: 10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised: 6/10/2002