MSAD 9 Policy Manual (continued

File: IJNDB-R

Student Computer and Internet Use Regulations

These rules implement Board policy IJNDB - Student Computer and Internet Use. The rules are intended to provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses but do not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users. Failure to comply with Board policy IJNDB and these rules may result in loss of computer and Internet access privileges, disciplinary action and/or legal action.

A. Computer Use is a Privilege, Not a Right

Student use of MSAD#9's computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension or cancellation of privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action.

The building principal shall have final authority to decide whether a student's privileges will be denied or revoked.

B. Acceptable Use

Student access to MSAD#9's computers, networks and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school unit's educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals.

The same rules and expectations govern student use of computers as apply to other student conduct and communications.

Students are further expected to comply with these rules and all specific instructions from the teacher or other supervising staff member/volunteer when accessing the school unit's computers, networks and Internet services, including, but not limited to any online subscription services that support curriculum.

C. Prohibited Use

The user is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school unit computers, networks and Internet services and for his/her computer files, passwords and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:

1. Accessing Inappropriate Materials - Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal;

2. Illegal Activities - Using MSAD #9's computers, networks and Internet services for any illegal activity that violates other Board policies, procedures and/or school rules;

3. Violating Copyrights - Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner's permission;

4. Plagiarism - Representing as one's own work and materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, etc.). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and Web site must be identified;

5. Copying Software - Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the system administrator;

6. Non-School-Related Uses - Using MSAD#9's computers, networks and Internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain, commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes, or for any other personal use;

7. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access - Sharing passwords, using other users' passwords without permission and/or accessing other users' accounts;

8. Malicious Use/Vandalism - Any malicious use, disruption or harm to MSAD#9's computers, networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses; and

9. Unauthorized Access to Chat Rooms/News Groups - Accessing chat rooms or news groups without specific authorization from the supervising teacher.

MSAD#9 retains control, custody and supervision of all computers, networks and Internet services owned or leased by the school unit. The school unit reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectations of privacy in their use of school computers, including e-mail and stored files.

The student and/or the student's parent/guardian shall be responsible for compensating the school unit for any losses, costs or damages incurred by MSAD#9 related to violations of policy IJNDB and/or these rules, including investigation of violations.

3. School Unit Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs or Illegal Use

MSAD#9 assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by students including but not limited to credit card charges, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.

A student shall not reveal his/her full name, address or telephone number on the Internet without prior permission from a supervising teacher. Students should never meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their supervising teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them uncomfortable in any way.

The security of MSAD#9's computers, networks and Internet services is a high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify the system administrator. The user shall not demonstrate the problem to others. Any user who attempts or causes a breach of system security shall have his/her privileges revoked and may be subject to additional disciplinary and/or legal action.

It shall be the policy of the Board of Directors to encourage the use of field trips and organizational trips as an educational tool or as a necessary supplement to an organized activity provided (1) that the trip is properly planned and approved in advance by the appropriate administrative offices; (2) that the trip is adequately chaperoned and supervised; (3) that if it is a field trip, that it has a true and specific educational value directly related to the present classwork; and, (4) that conveyance is provided by the School District to preserve the comfort and safety of the students.

It shall be the policy of the Board of Directors to encourage the use of field trips and organizational trips as an educational tool or as a necessary supplement to an organized activity provided (1) that the trip is properly planned and approved in advance by the appropriate administrative officers; (2) that the trip is adequately chaperoned and supervised; (3) that if it is a field trip, it has a true and specific educational value directly related to the present classwork; and (4) that conveyance is provided by the School District to preserve the comfort and safety of the students.

A. Arrangements must be made in advance by securing permission of the principal and the superintendent's Office (athletic trips may be arranged by the Athletic Director, principal and the Superintendent's Office). The Central Office will have the responsibility of scheduling all trips.

B. Generally, School district transportation will be used for all field trips, etc., which are sponsored by any schools within the District. Special permission must be given by the Central Office in order to use private vehicles. School District buses may only be used for activities which are sponsored by the School district or by a municipality within the boundary lines of the School District. MSAD No. 9 buses will not be used to transport students to any privately sponsored activities.

C. Ordinarily no field, organizational, or activity trips will be allowed during the winter months (December 1 to March 15) except for those trips which must be scheduled to meet commitment because of the school participating in a league, conference, association, or the like.

D. Each student going on a trip must have in advance the permission of the teacher accompanying the group, the principal of his/her school and the written permission of his/her parents.

E. At least one (1) member of the school professional staff for each twenty-five students in addition to the driver must travel in each bus used for trips. Chaperons shall be responsible for maintaining order on the buses as an aid to the driver. If, in the opinion of the driver, the safety and welfare of the passengers is in question, the driver shall take necessary steps to control the situation.

F. The driver is authorized to discontinue the trip and return to school when, in his/her judgment, continuing the trip would seriously endanger the safety of the passengers.

G. Drivers shall keep strictly to the previously approved route, and shall make no unscheduled stops or detours without specific permission from the Central Office. The exception to this rule will be directions by highway departments, police, or weather conditions.

H. Any other reasonable rules may be required by the principal or the Superintendent which pertains to conduct, safety, discipline, or which will aid in the control of students.

The mastery of standards in M.S.A.D. # 9 shows what a student has accomplished. Mastery is the point in a student's learning at which there are clear, observable, and consistent demonstrations of the subject area standards. A student mastering a standard can recall and apply this knowledge over time with minimal review and in varied circumstances.

The following rubric has been established to guide teachers in determining mastery of individual standards. Student evidence must also be collected to support this rubric.

The reporting/grading rubric will become effective in the 2001_2002 school year.

All schools, all subjects, and all grade levels will use the same grading rubric.

The following rubric has been established to guide teachers in determining mastery of individual standards. Student evidence must also be collected to support this rubric.

The reporting/grading rubric will become effective in the 2001-2002 school year:

All schools, all subjects, and all grade levels will use the same grading rubric.

A temporary grade of "I" (incomplete) may be issued. Students are allowed the same number of days as absent to make up incomplete assignments.

· Consistently performs high quality work (accurate, thorough timely)

· Consistently exceeds set criteria

· Consistently provides evidence of above_mastery for all tasks of subject standards

· Consistently shows excellent application of knowledge to other situations

"M" Meets the Standard

· Usually performs work of high quality (accurate, thorough, timely)

· Consistently meets set criteria

· Consistently provides evidence of mastery for most tasks of subject standards

· Consistently shows satisfactory application of knowledge to other situations

"W" Working Toward Meeting the Standard

· Does not perform satisfactory work independently

· Occasionally meets set criteria

· Has not shown mastery of all tasks, but is willing to try

· Occasionally shows application of knowledge to other situations

This student needs more time and assistance in helping him/her master the curriculum standard (s).

Should a student excel and achieve mastery of a curriculum standard or standards before other students, the student will be provided with enrichment activities related to the curriculum standard or standards, and/ or be provided the opportunity to move to the next curriculum or academic level.

Should a student not achieve mastery of a curriculum standard or standards, the student will participate in one or all of the following:

· After school tutorial sessions and /or summer school

· Repeat the educational experience (this could mean repeating a lesson, series of lessons, a course, or the entire year's instruction depending on the student's progress, ability, and/or attitude).

If a student does not achieve mastery of a curriculum standard or standards, and does not participate in any or all of the above remediation activities, he/she will be retained.

Parent's support is crucial in helping their child achieve mastery of all curriculum standards.

If parents do not agree with the evaluation of their child, they may consult with the child's teacher and school principal.

Recommendations about Assessments

Assessments should align with subject area standards. The final determination of mastery will be based on a collection of both qualitative and quantitative evidence. A combination of the following assessment tools will provide evidence that supports teacher decisions: student self assessments, formative and surnmative tests, written and oral assignments, projects, products, and student performance. Teachers will use more than one assessment to check for mastery. Teachers will "spiral" items on tests throughout the year.

· Consistently performs high quality work (accurate, scholarly, timely)

· Consistently exceeds set criteria

· Consistently provides evidence of above_mastery for all tasks of subject standards

· Consistently shows excellent application of knowledge to other situations

When number grades are used, an "A" is 90_100.

GRADE OF "B"

· Usually performs work of high quality (accurate, scholarly, timely)

· Consistently meets set criteria

· Consistently provides evidence of mastery for most tasks of subject standards

· Consistently shows above_average application of knowledge to other situations

When number grades are used, a "B" is 80_89.

GRADE OF "C"

· Usually performs work of satisfactory quality

· Usually meets set criteria

· Usually provides evidence of mastery for most tasks of subject standards

· Occasionally shows satisfactory application of knowledge to other situations

When number grades are used, a "C" is 70_79.

GRADE OF "D"

· Can not perform satisfactory work independently

· Occasionally meets set criteria

· Has not shown mastery of most tasks

· Occasionally shows application of knowledge to other situations

This student needs more time and assistance in helping him/her master the curriculum standard(s).

When number grades are used, "D" is 60_69

· Does not perform work of satisfactory quality

· Does not meet set criteria .

· Has not shown mastery of most asks

· Does not show application of knowledge to other situations

Not Passing

The student will need to work until level of learning is acceptable. When number grades are used, an "F" is 59 and below, failing.

Should a student not achieve mastery of a curriculum standard or standards, the student will participate in one or all of the following:

· After school tutorial sessions and /or summer school

· Repeat the educational experience (this could mean repeating a lesson, series of lessons, a

course, or the entire year's instruction depending on the student's progress, ability, and/or

attitude)

If a student does not achieve mastery of a curriculum standard or standards, and does not

participate in any or all of the above remediation activities, he/she will be retained.

Parent's support is crucial in helping their child achieve mastery of all curriculum standards.

If parents do not agree with the evaluation of their child, they may consult with the child's teacher and school principal.

Recommendations about Assessments

Assessments should align with subject area standards. The final determination of mastery will be based on a collection of both qualitative and quantitative evidence. A combination of the following assessment tools will provide evidence that supports teacher decisions: student self assessments, formative and summative tests, written and oral assignments, projects, products, and student performance. Teachers will use more than one assessment to check for mastery. Teachers will "spiral" items on tests throughout the year.

Adopted: January 9, 2001

File: IKB

MSAD#9 recognizes the importance of developing good study habits and responsibility for assignments beginning at an early age. At the same time, it also recognizes the importance of learning acquired by children outside of school, through reading and listening, physical activity, and play, and the needs of children for free time to engage in these learning activities.

All homework assignments shall be for sound educational purposes. Homework properly designed, carefully planned, and geared to the development of the individual students, meets a real need and has a definite place in the educational program. It is assigned to help the student become more self-reliant, learn to work independently, improve the skills that have been taught, and complete certain projects such as reading of worthwhile books and the preparation of research papers. Home study assignments also afford a way for parents to acquaint themselves with the school program and their own children's educational progress.

2. Realistically, teacher time is limited, but assignments should be made with individual differences among students in mind. Parents should be encouraged to contact the child's teacher(s) and make adjustments by mutual consent if a child is working to his full capacity and is still unable to consistently finish assignments within the given time limits. Homework should never become such a burden that a child who is putting forth his best effort becomes defeated by it.

3. Homework assignments shall be worthy of the time necessary for being corrected and discussed by the teacher with the individual student and class.

4. A variety of approaches, activities, and techniques should be used by teachers when assigning homework, and reflect a balance from the basic categories of homework:

5. Emphasis on developing good study habits, both at home and in school, should be given at the beginning of each school year, and

7. There should be sufficient preparation for each assignment, so that the requirements are clearly understood by all pupils. Ample

B. Social Studies: Each student must complete and pass 2 1/2 credits of Social Studies. Included in this are 1 ½ credits (three semesters) of US History and Government, ½ credit of World History, and ½ credit of Geography.

D. Maine Studies: Each student must complete and pass one-half (1/2) year of Maine Studies during grades 7 to 12.

E. Mathematics: Each student must complete and pass three (3) credits of Mathematics.

F. Science: Each student must complete and pass two (2) credits of Science, one (1) of which must be a lab science.

H. Computer Skills: Each student must demonstrate competency in performing various computer skills.

I. Physical Education: Each Student must take and pass two (2) semesters of Physical Education.

In order for a student to participate in graduation ceremonies, the student must have successfully completed all of the above requirements.

A student who is deficient in the above listed requirements may meet those requirements through a post-graduate course, a State approved Adult Education course(s), or a correspondence course approved by the principal.

Current Maine law allows a student to graduate as soon as he/she has completed all graduation requirements. A student who wishes to graduate before his/her four (4) years of attendance is attained should notify the principal in writing of his/her intention. Once a request has been received, the principal, parents/guardians, and student will meet to discuss the request. The decision reached by the group will be filed in the student's academic folder, with a copy forwarded to the Superintendent.

MSAD No. 9 shall, on a regular basis, provide for the assessment of the academic achievement for all students. Teachers shall assess pupil academic performance on a regular basis.

MSAD No. 9 shall utilize the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) tests and data and other standardized testing data. This data shall be utilized to assess pupil progress.

Teachers shall utilize appropriate testing materials to assess the progress of students toward identified instructional goals. This testing shall be done on a daily, unit, weekly, or quarterly basis as appropriate to the instructional program.

All schools shall issue written reports to parents each ranking period for students in grades K-12. Interim reports shall be prepared as needed. At all levels (K-12), there will be scheduled one (1) parent/teacher conference meeting each year with additional conferences scheduled as the need arises.

EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH: STUDENT SUBMISSION TO SURVEYS, ANALYSES, OR EVALUATIONS

In this policy, “surveys, analyses, or evaluations” refer to methods of gathering data for research purposes.

No student shall be required as part of any program wholly or partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education to submit to any survey, analyses, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

E. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;