Role+of+the+School+Board

School Boards need to be obligated to create cyber policy for their respective systems. Potential issues need to be continually assessed and addressed as needed. This means the policy needs to be comprehensive and evolving as new tools and programs develop. More importantly teachers, students and parents need to know the policy and adhere to them. Education of these issues is essential and school boards play a large role in ensuring their respective youth, families and communities are aware of the issues regarding cyber tech policy.

Here I look at 3 local school boards and explore what they have done in regards to their implementation of cyber policy.

1. Dean Shareski of //Prairie South School Division// has created a comprehensive [|Digital Learning Vision]. This document is an overview of how technology can be effectively used in classrooms. His Big Ideas include:
 * 1) Extend the division’s outreach to parents and community through web-based administrative systems, student portfolios, and e-report cards
 * 2) Create online learning opportunities for teachers and students that allow them to learn anytime, anywhere; and give them access to courses that might not be available in traditional settings.
 * 3) Empower students to create, share, and learn as a community through the use of Read/Write Web tools

Module 4 of the [|Manual of Administrative Policies] includes section 419-Internet Use which addresses acceptable use, security, and privacy issues.

419.1 States "The superintendent responsible for supervision of Information technology is to develop a division Statement of Acceptable Internet Use Practices and Procedures to guide the use of the internet within the division’s schools. Principals are responsible for supporting the division’s acceptable use practices and procedures." Policy should include areas such as definition of acceptable use and consequences for misuse. The section 419.4 goes further to state "Schools shall communicate their acceptable use policy to their communities." I take this to mean more than just students, but also parents. This communication should be done in a number of ways including print newsletters, parent internet night and the inclusion of cyber policy on school internet sites.

2. //Regina Board of Education// developed the following [|Computer and Tech Policy], although this policy is a little outdated (Jan 2001), I found the appendix //THE CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE// to be useful and a relevant example of what we should expect from our students.

The Regina Board of Education also wrote this [|Bullying Policy] (March, 2004). The policy indeed recognizes Cyber Bullying and equates it with the effects of bullying. The following quote from the policy details bullying and is easily adapted to ensure "equal protection" and that all children have a "right to an education free from bullying in all its forms".

"the Bullying Policy is in accordance with various pieces of legislation and provincial policy currently in effect, as detailed below:
===The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms lays a foundation for equality of opportunity and benefit for all peoples. It provides for “equal protection” and “equal benefits” for all Canadians. The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code provides for each person in the province with the right to equal benefit from the education system, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, nationality, place of origin, sex, disability, marital or family status, religion, creed, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance.=== ===The Equity in Education Framework of Saskatchewan Learning ensures the rights of children and young people to equality of educational opportunity and security of person. The Anti-Bullying Strategy of Saskatchewan Learning, through preventative and effective intervention strategies believes that all children and youth have the right to an education free from bullying in all its forms." - Regina Board of Education, March 2004===

3. //Holy Trinity Catholic School Division// abides by its [|Operational Procedure Manual]. Procedures that I found of particular related interest are 407.1 and 419. I appreciate how procedure #407.4.1 makes every student accountable and responsible for their actions. Another line that stands out is 419.1, where it notes the role of the school division to be responsible for developing acceptable use practices and procedures. It goes on to list areas in which policy should focus.

Administrative Procedure No. 407
Background Principals have the authority for the development of guidelines and rules necessary for development and maintenance of safe, positive environments in schools. The principal, in cooperation with staff, SRC, and the school council, develops guidelines to promote good order and harmony in the school. These guidelines are communicated to staff, students, and parents on an annual basis. These guidelines are to conform to the duties of students as set out in //The Education Act.// 4. Account for Self 1. **Every student is accountable:** 1. To the teacher for his or her conduct on the school premises during school hours and during such hours as the teacher is in charge of the pupil in class or while engaged in authorized school activities conducted in out-of-school hours. 2. To the principal and members of the teaching staff at any time that he or she is under supervision of the school, including time spent in traveling between the school and his or her place of residence. 3. To the driver of a school bus, and to any other person appointed by the Board for the purposes of supervision during hours when pupils are in the personal charge of such employees or persons appointed by the Board. Those appointed persons shall be responsible to and report to the principal

Administrative Procedure 419
Background The Board believes in helping students seek truth and knowledge as critical learners. The Board also desires that students are active in the pursuit of their own education. The Board supports the opportunity for teachers and students to access, evaluate, and produce information through the use of the internet. Procedures 1. The school division is responsible for developing acceptable use practices and procedures to guide the use of the internet. 2. The practices and procedures are to include but are not limited to the following: 1. Statement of purpose for the use of internet in instruction 2. Supervision of computers where internet access is available 3. Definition of acceptable use of the internet 4. Consequences to persons who misuse access privileges 5. Print control of persons printing from the internet 6. Copyright compliance 7. Accessibility for staff and students 3. E-mail accounts are to be provided to designated staff and students(Grade 4 and above) are to be considered the property of the school division with right of access by appropriate supervisors. 4. Schools shall annually communicate the school Division acceptable use policy to their communities. 5. The Aeceptable use Policy will be reviewed annually.