RD327 - Biennial Report on Acceptable Internet Use Policies for Public and Private Schools


Executive Summary:
The Internet unquestionably has unleashed a revolution in education. Teachers and students have unprecedented access to a vast range of resources and communication outlets; however, they are challenged daily to weigh the Internet's instructional potential versus the rapidly proliferating risks to users. These dangers often overshadow the Internet's prospective instructional value.

The Virginia General Assembly has been in the vanguard of Internet security. A progression of legislation over the last seven years has encouraged schools to take advantage of the Internet's offerings while protecting students from online dangers.

The legislature first required school divisions to establish acceptable Internet use policies in 1999. Two years later, legislation mandated the use of filtering software to block objectionable content. In 2006, House Bill 58, introduced by Delegate William H. Fralin, Jr., directed that school divisions' acceptable use policies "include a component on Internet safety for students that is integrated in a division's instructional program." This report analyzes the Department of Education's response to House Bill 58 and summarizes the status of school divisions regarding compliance with all Internet safety legislation.

All divisions have submitted revised acceptable use policies per the Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-70.2. As a result of House Bill 58, the Department of Education met with various experts and organizations, attended related state and national meetings, and reviewed research and resources available in print and electronic formats to understand the issues more thoroughly. After incorporating feedback from Department staff and external reviewers, the Office of Educational Technology published Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in Schools in October 2006 and placed a PDF version online to facilitate duplication and dissemination. The document promotes Internet use for learning while underscoring personal safety at all times.