Electronic Resources 

The Seattle School Board recognizes that an effective public education system develops students who are globally aware, civically engaged, and capable of managing their lives and careers. The Board also believes that students need to be proficient users of information, media, and technology to succeed in a digital world.  

Therefore, the district will use electronic resources as a powerful and compelling means for students to learn core subjects and applied skills in relevant and rigorous ways. It is the district’s goal to provide students with rich and ample opportunities to use technology for important purposes in schools just as individuals in workplaces and other real-life settings. The district’s technology will enable educators and students to communicate, learn, share, collaborate and create, to think and solve problems, to manage their work and to take ownership of their lives. 

The Board authorizes the Superintendent or his or her designee to create strong electronic educational systems that support innovative teaching and learning, to provide appropriate staff development opportunities, and to develop procedures to support this policy.  

Use of the Internet 

The question of Internet safety includes issues regarding the use of the Internet, Internet-ready, and other electronic devices, in a manner that promotes safe online activity for children, protects children from cybercrimes, including crimes by online predators and cyberbullying, and helps parents shield their children from materials that is inappropriate for minors. 

To promote the safe and appropriate online behavior of students and staff as they access material from the Internet, the district will use the following four-part approach. However, given the ever-changing nature of the internet, the district cannot guarantee that a student will never be able to access objectionable material. 

1. Network Use Agreement  
   Any student or staff member using the Internet from a computer in a Seattle School District facility must have a valid Network Use Agreement on file.  
2. Filter  
   All district-owned computers in all Seattle School District facilities capable of accessing the Internet must use filtering software to prevent access to obscene, racist, hateful, or violent material. 
3. Supervision  
   When students use the Internet from school facilities, district employees will make a reasonable effort to supervise student access and use of the Internet. If material is accessed that violates standards in the materials selection procedures or the Network Use Agreement, then the district employee may instruct the person to cease using that material, and/or implement sanctions contained in the Network Use Agreement.  
4. Instruction  
   All students will be educated about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response.