RD148 - Biennial Report on Acceptable Internet Use Policies for Public and Private Schools


Executive Summary:
Virginia K-12 educators use the instructional resources found via shared educational tools, such as school and division-wide computer networks and the Internet, to extend teaching and learning. The increased use of such resources requires that administrators, teachers, library media specialists, students, and parents take steps to ensure that these tools and the resources they provide access to be appropriate for use in K-12 instruction. In response to these concerns, each Virginia school division established guidelines for the appropriate use of computer networks. These guidelines are generally called an Acceptable Internet Use Policy, or AUP. By definition, an AUP is a written agreement outlining the terms and conditions of Internet use as a tool for learning.

The purpose of an AUP is to protect children’s rights and convey to each student the responsibilities that accompany the use of the Internet as an educational tool. An AUP provides expectations, establishes rights, and draws lines of responsibility for the entire school community. Many of the school divisions’ AUPs combine the following additional provisions:

• A disclaimer statement

• Signature form for students

• Signature form for teachers

• Signature form for parents

All 133 school divisions:

• Submitted a copy of an Acceptable Use Policy that prohibits use of the Internet by students and employees for sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading illegal material

• Submitted an Acceptable Use Policy that in effect prevents access by students under the age of eighteen to material considered harmful to juveniles

• Submitted a letter of assurance stating that all schools were in compliance in regards to the installation of filtering technologies

• All policies contained an Acceptable Use Policy that establishes appropriate measures for persons who violate the policy