The board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the school district. The board delegates ‘this authority to licensed employees to determine which instructional materials will be utilized and purchased by the school district to licensed employees. The licensed employees will work closely together to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation of textbooks in the education program.
The board may appoint an ad hoc committee to assist the licensed employees in selecting instructional materials. The committee may be composed of any of the following groups of stakeholders: school district employees, parents, community members or representatives of community groups.
In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, the licensed employees will consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to report, to the board, the action taken by the selection committee.
In making its recommendations to the superintendent, the licensed employees will select materials which:
In the case of textbooks, the board will make the final decision after a recommendation from the superintendent. The criteria stated above for selection of instructional materials will also apply to the selection of textbooks. The superintendent may appoint licensed employees to assist in the selection of textbooks.
Gifts of instructional materials must meet these criteria stated above for the selection of instructional materials. The gift must be received in compliance with board policy 704.4, "Gifts - Grants - Bequests."
The Superintendent will establish additional criteria to guide the selection of instructional materials through administrative regulation, ensuring alignment with educational goals and compliance with laws.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 279.74; 280.14; 301
281 I.A.C. 12.3(12)
Cross Reference: 20 Ad Hoc Committees
50 Student Scholastic Achievement
60 Curriculum
60 Instructional Materials
Approved: 8/23/94
Reviewed: 12/18/00; 2/14/05; 3/13/07; 1/13/10; 1/14/15; 2/11/20
Revised: 10/09/07; 10/18/22; 7/11/23
The selection decision should be made on the basis of whether the material presents an accurate representation of society and culture, whether the circumstances depicted are realistically portrayed, or whether the material has literary or social value when the material is viewed as a whole.
These guidelines will not be construed in such a manner as to preclude materials which accurately represent the customs, morals, manners, culture, or society of a different time or a different place.
In order to provide a current, highly usable collection of materials, teacher-librarians will ensure constant and continuing renewal of the collection, not only the addition of up-to-date materials, but by the judicious elimination of materials which no longer meet school district needs or find use. The process of weeding instructional materials will be done according to established and accepted standards for determining the relevance and value of materials in a given context.
Parents and other members of the school district community may view the instructional and library materials used by the students. All instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any federally funded programs must be available for inspection by parents.
The instructional and library materials may be viewed on school district premises.
The district will publish on the district’s website a comprehensive list of all books available to students in libraries operated by the school district.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding the inspection of instructional materials.
Legal Reference: Goals 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125
(1994).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 279.74; 280.3; 14; 301
281 I.A.C. 12.3(12)
Cross Reference: 602 Curriculum Development
605 Instructional Materials
901.1 Public Examination of School District Records
Approved: 10/09/07
Reviewed: 01/13/10; 1/14/15; 2/11/20; 10/18/22
Revised: 7/11/23
Members of the school district community may object to the instructional materials utilized in the Morning Sun Community School District and ask for their use to be reconsidered.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations for reconsideration of instructional materials. Information related to the process for reconsideration of instructional and library materials will be made available on the district’s website.
Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the district have the ability to request that their student not be able to access certain instructional materials or check out certain library materials. For purposes of prohibiting access to instructional materials, Iowa law has defined instructional materials to mean either printed or electronic textbooks and relate core materials that are written and published primarily for use in elementary school and secondary school instruction and are required by a state educational agency or district for use by student sin the student’s classes by the teacher of record. Instructional materials do not include lesson plans.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 279.74.77; 280.3; 14; 301
281 I.A.C. 12.3(12).
Cross Reference: 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings
402.5 Public Complaints about Employees
602 Curriculum Development
605 Instructional Materials
Approved: 10/09/07
Reviewed: 01/13/10; 1/14/5; 2/11/20
Revised: 10/18/22; 7/11/23
605.3E1 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE RECONSIDERATION COMMITTEE
The policy of this school district related to selection of learning materials states that any member of the school district community may formally challenge instructional and library materials used in the district's education program. This policy allows those persons in the school and the community who are not directly involved in the selection of materials to make their own opinions known. The task of the reconsideration committee is to make an informed recommendation on the challenge. The meetings of the committee may be subject to the open meetings law.
The most critical component of the reconsideration process is the establishment and maintenance of the committee's credibility in the community. For this purpose, the committee is composed of a combination of community members and licensed employees as detailed in 605.3R1. The community should not, therefore, infer that the committee is biased or is obligated to uphold prior professional decisions.
The reconsideration process, the task of this committee, is just one part of the selection continuum. Material is purchased to meet a need. It is reviewed and examined, if possible, prior to purchase. It is periodically reevaluated through updating, discarding, or re-examination. The committee must be ready to acknowledge that an error in selection may have been made despite this process. Librarians and school employees regularly read great numbers of reviews in the selection process, and occasional errors are possible.
In reconsidering challenged materials, the role of the committee, and particularly the chairperson, is to produce a climate for meaningful discussion of disparate views. The committee should begin by finding items of agreement, keeping in mind that the larger the group participating, the greater the amount of information available and, therefore, the greater the number of possible approaches to the problem.
The committee may, at its discretion, hear an oral presentation from the complainant to the committee to expand and elaborate on the complaint. The committee may listen to the complainant, to those with special knowledge, and any other interested persons. In these discussions, the committee should be aware of relevant social pressures which are affecting the situation. Individuals who may try to dominate or impose a decision must not be allowed to do so. Minority viewpoints expressed by groups or individuals must be heard, and observers must be made to feel welcome. It is important that the committee create a calm, nonvolatile environment in which to deal with a potentially volatile situation. To this end, the complainant will be kept informed of the progress of the complaint.
The committee will listen to the views of all interested persons before making recommendations. In deliberating its recommendation, the committee should remember that the school system must be responsive to the needs, tastes, and opinions of the community it serves. Therefore, the committee must distinguish between broad community sentiment and attempts to impose personal standards. The deliberations should concentrate on the appropriateness of the material. The question to be answered by the committee is, "Is the material appropriate for its designated audience at this time?"
The committee's final recommendation will be (1) to remove the challenged material from the total school environment, (2) to take no removal action, or (3) to agree on a limitation of the educational use of the materials.
The committee chairperson will instruct the secretary to convey the committee's recommendation to the office of the superintendent. The recommendation should detail the rationale on which it was based. A letter will be sent to the complainant outlining the outcome.
605.3E2 RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL AND LIBRARY MATERIALS REQUEST FORM
Request for re-evaluation of printed or multimedia material to be submitted to the superintendent
REVIEW INITIATED BY:
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: __________________
Address: ________________
City/State: ____________ Zip Code: Telephone:
School(s) in which item is used:
Relation to school (parent, student, citizen):
BOOK OR OTHER PRINTED MATERIAL IF APPLICABLE
Author: Hardcover: Paperback: Other:
Title:
Published (if known):
Date of Publication:
MULTIMEDIA MATERIAL IF APPLICABLE
Title:
Producer (if known):
Type of material (website, online resource, motion picture, etc…)
PERSON MAKING THE REQUEST REPRESENTS (circle one)
Self
Group or Organization
Name of Group:
Address of Group:
Signature Date
605.3E3 SAMPLE LETTER TO INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGING INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Dear:
We recognize your concern about the use of______________________ in our school district. The school district has developed procedures for selection of instructional materials but realizes that not everyone will agree with every selection made.
To help you understand the selection process, we are sending copies of the school district’s:
1. Instructional goals and objectives,
2. Instructional and Library Materials Selection policy statement, and,
3. Procedure for reconsideration of instructional and library materials.
If you are still concerned after you review this material, please complete the Reconsideration Request Form and return it to me. You may be assured of prompt attention to your request. If I have not heard from you within one week, we will assume you no longer wish to file a formal complaint.
Sincerely,
605.3E4 REQUEST TO PROHIBIT A STUDENT FROM CHECKING OUT SPECIFIC LIBRARY MATERIALS
Request to prohibit a student from checking out certain library materials to be submitted to the superintendent. Please complete one form per student.
REQUEST INITIATED BY DATE
Name:
Address:
City/State: Zip Code: Telephone Number:
Name of affected student:
Requester’s Relationship to Student (must be parent/legal guardian):
PRINTED MATERIAL TO PROHIBIT STUDENT FROM CHECKING OUT:
Author: Hardcover: Paperback: Other:
Title:
Publisher (if known)
Date of Publication:
MULTIMEDIA MATERIAL TO PROHIBIT STUDENT FROM CHECKING OUT:
Title:
Producer (if known):
Type of material:
Signature Date
The board supports the use of innovative methods and the use of technology in the delivery of the education program. The board encourages employees to investigate economical ways to utilize multimedia, computers, electronic devices, and other technologies as a part of the curriculum.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for the use of technology in the curriculum and to evaluate it annually. The superintendent will report the results of the evaluation and make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the use of technology in the curriculum.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8
281 I.A.C. 12.3(12), 12.5)10), .5(17)
Cross Reference: 602—Curriculum Development
605—Instructional Materials
Approved: 10/09/07
Reviewed: 01/13/10; 01/14/15; 02/11/20
Revised: 10/18/22
The school district will maintain a school library in each building for use by employees and by students during the school day.
Materials for the centers will be acquired consistent with all applicable laws and board policy, "Instructional Materials Selection." Any challenges to library materials will be handled following the process for handling challenges to instructional and library materials as established in board policy.
It is the responsibility of the principal of the building in which the school library is located to oversee the use of materials in the library.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop procedures for the selection and replacement of both library and instructional materials, for the acceptance of gifts, for the weeding of library and instructional materials.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 25637(24); 256.11(9); 279.8, .50; 2810.6; .14; 301
281 I.A.C. 12.3(11), (12).
Cross Reference: 602 Curriculum Development
605 Instructional Materials
Approved: 8/23/94
Reviewed: 3/13/97; 12/18/00; 2/14/05; 1/13/10; 1/14/15; 2/11/20
Revised: 10/09/07; 10/18/22; 7/11/23
The district recognizes the importance of developing students into agile learners who are capable of addressing the complex needs of our future work force. For this reason, the district has prioritized making available technology and programs that teach students to embrace modern technology and tools while fostering a secure learning environment for students to the extent reasonable. Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.
Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students. Students may be permitted to use district-issued email addresses and Internet-based collaboration software to send and receive messages at school.
The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears, and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information which may not be of educational value. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Students’ Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography, or are harmful to minors. The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography, or are harmful to minors.
The school district will monitor the online activities of students and will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:
Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use policy and regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations, and that they understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations.
In compliance with federal law, this policy will be maintained at least five years beyond the termination of funding under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate.
Legal Reference: 47 C.F.R. 54.520
Iowa Code § 279.8
Cross Reference: 104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
506 Student Records
605.5 School Library
Approved: 8/12/96
Reviewed: 3/13/97; 1/15/01; 1/13/10; 1/14/15; 2/11/20; 1/11/24
Revised: 6/10/02; 6/13/12
605.6E1
INTERNET ACCESS LETTER TO PARENTS
On-Line Resources Access Restriction/Denial Form for Students
On-line resources can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students. It is global, making it impossible to control all information available. Because information appears, disappears, and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. Although students will often be under staff supervision while on the network, it is not possible to always monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Consequently, some students might encounter information that may not be of educational value to them.
Morning Sun students will be granted access to on-line resources (Internet) until the parent has submitted this form to the student's principal. Morning Sun uses a filtering service provided by BESS which blocks access to inappropriate sites. Morning Sun teachers and staff make every attempt to ensure students use the Internet appropriately by teaching appropriate use and monitoring student use.
Parents can be assured that any violation of the provisions will result in the appropriate discipline as outlined in the "Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications" policy. Parents should also understand that they may be held responsible for any "Unauthorized Costs" incurred by a student while using the Internet.
Alternative assignments will be made available to students who do not have access to online service due to parental denial.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Remove and return the bottom portion of this notice)
Student Name _______________________________________________Date: ___________________________
Building:____________________________________________________________________________________
[ ] Restricted Access -- Staff Supervision Only I give permission for my child to be granted on-line privileges while a student of Morning Sun Community Schools, only with direct staff supervision. I have read the policies and procedures set forth by the Morning Sun Community School District and agree to abide by these provisions. I understand that any violation of the provisions will result in the appropriate discipline as outlined in the "Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications" policy. I also agree to be responsible for any "Unauthorized Costs" incurred by the above student while using the Internet.
[ ] Denial of Access I request that my child be denied access to on-line resources while a student Morning Sun Community Schools.
____________________________ ____________________________
(Parent or guardian's signature) Student's signature
PARENTS: Your signature indicates that you intend to limit or deny your child access to the internet and that you have read and understand the policy, regulations, procedures and consequences stated here within.
605.6E2
ON-LINE RESOURCES APPROPRIATE USE VIOLATION NOTICE
On-Line Resources Appropriate Use Violation Notice
Student Name ______________________________Date: ___________________
Administrator: ______________________________
Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications:
Students who access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items, send messages with vulgar/abusive language while using on-line resources or attempt to access a personal e-mail account at school shall be subject to the following consequences:
_______1. First Offense:
For the first violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Warning" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose on-line access privileges for a period three weeks. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.
_______2. Second Offense:
For the second violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Second Infraction," notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose on-line access privileges for a period of nine weeks. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.
_______3. Third Offense:
On the third violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Third Infraction" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose all on-line access privileges. A copy of notice will be sent by registered mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on filed in the building principal's office.
Any student who has lost his/her on-line privileges by committing a "Third Offense" may at the beginning of the next regular school year petition the "Technology Advisory Committee" to have his/her on-line resources privileges reinstated on a trial basis. A "trial basis" places the student on probation for one year. If during this one-year period the student commits an additional offense, his/her on-line privileges will be permanently suspended for the remainder of his/her time as a student in the Morning Sun Community School District.
Alternative assignments will be made available to students who do not have access to online service due to loss of privileges or parental denial.
605.6R1
Page 1 of 5
APPROPRIATE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ON-LINE RESOURCES REGULATION
I. Responsibility for Appropriate Use of Technology and On-Line Resources
II. Technology and On-Line Access
Annually, parents will grant permission for their student to use technology and on-line resources using the prescribed form.
IV. Student Use of Technology and On-Line Resources
If inappropriate information is accessed unintentionally, the student must immediately report such unintentional access to the teacher or principal in order to avoid being found in violation of this regulation.
Acts of vandalism are prohibited. Vandalism includes, but is not limited to, any attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, to intercept, copy, distribute, decrypt, or use the login names and/or passwords of others, to attempt to secure a higher level of network privilege, to damage hardware or software, to alter the normal performance of hardware or software, or to interrupt the smooth operation of the network. This includes the intentional downloading or installation of computer viruses, applications intended to disrupt the operation of the network system, unauthorized use of another's computer, account passwords, and/or files. Acts of vandalism may result in discipline up to and including suspension, expulsion, or the filing of criminal charges.
The district will cooperate with any investigation concerning or relating to the misuse of the district's technology resources.
If a student gains access to any service via technology and on-line resources which has a cost involved, or if a student incurs other types of costs, the Morning Sun Community School District will not be responsible for those costs. The student and/or the student's parent(s)/guardian will be responsible for those costs.
V. Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications:
Students who attempt to and/or access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items, send messages with vulgar/abusive language while using technology and on-line resources, violate any federal or state law or regulation, violate any of the policies or regulations of the school, or access a personal e-mail account at school shall be subject to the following consequences:
For the first violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Warning" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of three weeks. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.
For the second violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Second Infraction," notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of nine weeks. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.
On the third violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Third Infraction" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose all technology and on-line privileges. A copy of notice will be sent by registered mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on filed in the building principal's office.
Any student who has lost his/her technology and on-line privileges by committing a "Third Offense", may at the beginning of the next regular school year petition the superintendent to have his/her technology and on-line privileges reinstated on a trial basis. A "trial basis" places a student on probation for one year. If during this one-year time period the student commits an additional offense, his/her technology and on-line privileges may be suspended for the remainder of his/her time as a student in Morning Sun Community School District.
Alternative assignments will be made available to students who do not have access to technology and online service due to loss of privileges or parental denial.
In addition to the above sanctions, the school may impose discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion from school and/or the filing of criminal charges.
Morning Sun Community Schools
Appendix A
Code No. 605.7
USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES
In order for students to experience a diverse curriculum, the board encourages employees to supplement their regular curricular materials with other resources. In so doing, the board recognizes that federal law makes it illegal to duplicate copyrighted materials without authorization of the holder of the copyright, except for certain exempt purposes. Severe penalties may be imposed for plagiarism, unauthorized copying or using of media, including, but not limited to, print, electronic and web-based materials, unless the copying or using conforms to the "fair use" doctrine. Under the "fair use" doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research providing that all fair use guidelines are met.
While the school district encourages employees to enrich the learning programs by making proper use of supplementary materials, it is the responsibility of employees to abide by the school district's copying procedures and obey the requirements of the law. In no circumstances shall it be necessary for school district staff to violate copyright requirements in order to perform their duties properly. The school district will not be responsible for any violations of the copyright law by employees or students. Violation of the copyright law by employees may result in discipline up to, and including, termination. Violation of the copyright law by students may result in discipline, up to and including, suspension or expulsion.
Parents or others who wish to record, by any means, school programs or other activities need to realize that even though the school district received permission to perform a copyrighted work does not mean outsiders can copy it and re-play it. Those who wish to do so should contact the employee in charge of the activity to determine what the process is to ensure the copyright law is followed. The school district is not responsible for outsiders violating the copyright law or this policy.
Any employee or student who is uncertain as to whether reproducing or using copyrighted material complies with the school district's procedures or is permissible under the law should contact the [principal, teacher or teacher-librarian - choose as many as apply or add others] who will also assist employees and students in obtaining proper authorization to copy or use protected material when such authorization is required.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the [principal, teacher or teacher-librarian - choose as many as apply or add others], to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal References: 17 U.S. Code Sec. 101 et al.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(12).
Cross References: 605.6 Internet Appropriate Use
Approved 08/23/94 Reviewed 03/13/97; 1/15/01; 2/14/05; 1/13/10; 1/14/15; 2/11/2020 Revised
MORNING SUN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Appendix A
Code No. 605.7R1
Page 1 of 6
USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES REGULATION
Employees and students may make copies of copyrighted materials that fall within the following guidelines. Where there is reason to believe the material to be copied does not fall within these guidelines, prior permission shall be obtained from the publisher or producer with the assistance of the [principal, teacher, teacher-librarian - choose all that apply or add others]. Employees and students who fail to follow this procedure may be held personally liable for copyright infringement and may be subject to discipline by the board.
Under the "fair use" doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research. Under the fair use doctrine, each of the following four standards must be met in order to use the copyrighted document:
Purpose and Character of the Use - The use must be for such purposes as teaching or scholarship.
Nature of the Copyrighted Work - The type of work to be copied.
Amount and Substantiality of the Portion Used - Copying the whole of a work cannot be considered fair use; copying a small portion may be if these guidelines are followed.
Effect of the Use Upon the Potential Market for or value of the Copyrighted Work - If resulting economic loss to the copyright holder can be shown, even making a single copy of certain materials may be an infringement, and making multiple copies presents the danger of greater penalties.
Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Material Reminders:
Materials on the Internet should be used with caution since they may, and likely are, copyrighted.
Proper attribution (author, title, publisher, place and date of publication) should always be given.
Notice should be taken of any alterations to copyrighted works, and such alterations should only be made for specific instructional objectives.
Care should be taken in circumventing any technological protection measures. While materials copied pursuant to fair use may be copied after circumventing technological protections against unauthorized copying, technological protection measures to block access to materials may not be circumvented.
In preparing for instruction, a teacher may make or have made a single copy of:
A chapter from a book;
An article from a newspaper or periodical;
A short story, short essay or short poem; or,
A chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon or picture from a book, periodical or newspaper.
A teacher may make multiple copies not exceeding more than one per pupil, for classroom use or discussion, if the copying meets the tests of “brevity, spontaneity and cumulative effect” set by the following guidelines. Each copy must include a notice of copyright.
Appendix A
Code No. 605.7R1
Page 2 of 6
USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES REGULATION
Brevity
A complete poem, if less than 250 words and two pages long, may be copied; excerpts from longer poems cannot exceed 250 words;
Complete articles, stories or essays of less than 2500 words or excerpts from prose works less than 1000 words or 10% of the work, whichever is less may be copied; in any event, the minimum is 500 words;
Each numerical limit may be expanded to permit the completion of an unfinished line of a poem or prose paragraph;
One chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon or picture per book or periodical issue may be copied. “Special” works cannot be reproduced in full; this includes children's books combining poetry, prose or poetic prose. Short special works may be copied up to two published pages containing not more than 10 percent of the work.
Spontaneity - Should be at the “instance and inspiration” of the individual teacher when there is not a reasonable length of time to request and receive permission to copy.
Cumulative Effect - Teachers are limited to using copied material for only one course for which copies are made. No more than one short poem, article, story or two excerpts from the same author may be copied, and no more than three works can be copied from a collective work or periodical column during one class term. Teachers are limited to nine instances of multiple copying for one course during one class term. Limitations do not apply to current news periodicals, newspapers and current news sections of other periodicals.
Copying Limitations
Circumstances will arise when employees are uncertain whether or not copying is prohibited. In those circumstances, the, [principal, teacher or teacher-librarian - choose all that apply or add others] should be contacted. The following prohibitions have been expressly stated in federal guidelines:
Reproduction of copyrighted material shall not be used to create or substitute for anthologies, compilations or collective works.
Unless expressly permitted by agreement with the publisher and authorized by school district action, there shall be no copying from copyrighted consumable materials such as workbooks, exercises, test booklets, answer sheets and the like.
Employees shall not:
Use copies to substitute for the purchase of books, periodicals, music recordings, consumable works such as workbooks, computer software or other copyrighted material. Copy or use the same item from term to term without the copyright owner's permission;
Copy or use more than nine instances of multiple copying of protected material in any one term;
Copy or use more than one short work or two excerpts from works of the same author in any one term;
Copy or use protected material without including a notice of copyright. The following is a satisfactory notice: NOTICE: THIS MATERIAL MAY BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW.
Reproduce or use copyrighted material at the direction of someone in higher authority or copy or use such material in emulation of some other teacher's use of copyrighted material without permission of the copyright owner.
Require other employees or students to violate the copyright law or fair use guidelines.
Appendix A
Code No. 605.7R1
Page 3 of 6
USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES REGULATION
Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Materials in the Library
A library may make a single copy or three digital copies of:
An unpublished work in its collection;
A published work in order to replace it because it is damaged, deteriorated, lost or stolen, provided that an unused replacement cannot be obtained at a fair price.
A work that is being considered for acquisition, although use is strictly limited to that decision. Technological protection measures may be circumvented for purposes of copying materials in order to make an acquisition decision.
A library may provide a single copy of copyrighted material to a student or employee at no more than the actual cost of photocopying. The copy must be limited to one article of a periodical issue or a small part of other material, unless the library finds that the copyrighted work cannot be obtained elsewhere at a fair price. In the latter circumstance, the entire work may be copied. In any case, the copy shall contain the notice of copyright and the student or staff member shall be notified that the copy is to be used only for private study, scholarship or research. Any other use may subject the person to liability for copyright infringement.
Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Music or Dramatic Works
Teachers may:
Make a single copy of a song, movement, or short section from a printed musical or dramatic work that is unavailable except in a larger work for purposes of preparing for instruction;
Make multiple copies for classroom use of an excerpt of not more than 10% of a printed musical work if it is to be used for academic purposes other than performance, provided that the excerpt does not comprise a part of the whole musical work which would constitute a performable unit such as a complete section, movement, or song;
In an emergency, a teacher may make and use replacement copies of printed music for an imminent musical performance when the purchased copies have been lost, destroyed or are otherwise not available.
Make and retain a single recording of student performances of copyrighted material when it is made for purposes of evaluation or rehearsal;
Make and retain a single copy of excerpts from recordings of copyrighted musical works for use as aural exercises or examination questions; and,
Edit or simplify purchased copies of music or plays provided that the fundamental character of the work is not distorted. Lyrics shall not be altered or added if none exist.
Performance by teachers or students of copyrighted musical or dramatic works is permitted without the authorization of the copyright owner as part of a teaching activity in a classroom or instructional setting. The purpose shall be instructional rather than for entertainment.
Performances of nondramatic musical works that are copyrighted are permitted without the authorization of the copyright owner, provided that:
The performance is not for a commercial purpose;
None of the performers, promoters or organizers are compensated; and,
Admission fees are used for educational or charitable purposes only.
Appendix A
Code No. 605.7R1
Page 4 of 6
USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES REGULATION
All other musical and dramatic performances require permission from the copyright owner. Parents or others wishing to record a performance should check with the sponsor to ensure compliance with copyright.
Recording of Copyrighted Programs
Television programs, excluding news programs, transmitted by commercial and non-commercial television stations for reception by the general public without charge may be recorded off-air simultaneously with broadcast transmission (including simultaneous cable retransmission) and retained by a school for a period not to exceed the first forty-five (45) consecutive calendar days after date of recording. Upon conclusion of this retention period, all off-air recordings must be erased or destroyed immediately. Certain programming such as that provided on public television may be exempt from this provision; check with the librarian or the subscription database, e.g. unitedstreaming.
Off-air recording may be used once by individual teachers in the course of instructional activities, and repeated once only when reinforcement is necessary, within a building, during the first 10 consecutive school days, excluding scheduled interruptions, in the 45 calendar day retention period. Off-air recordings may be made only at the request of and used by individual teachers, and may not be regularly recorded in anticipation of requests. No broadcast program may be recorded off-air more than once at the request of the same teacher, regardless of the number of times the program may be broadcast. A limited number of copies may be reproduced from each off-air recording to meet the legitimate needs of teachers. Each additional copy shall be subject to all provisions governing the original recording.
After the first ten consecutive school days, off-air recordings may be used up to the end of the 45 calendar day retention period only for evaluation purposes, i.e., to determine whether or not to include the broadcast program in the teaching curriculum. Permission must be secured from the publisher before the recording can be used for instructional purposes after the 10 day period.
Off-air recordings need not be used in their entirety, but the recorded programs may not be altered from their original content. Off-air recordings may not be physically or electronically combined or merged to constitute teaching anthologies or compilations. All copies of off-air recordings must include the copyright notice on the broadcast program as recorded.
Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Computer Software
Schools have a valid need for high-quality software at reasonable prices. To assure a fair return to the authors of software programs, the school district shall support the legal and ethical issues involved in copyright laws and any usage agreements that are incorporated into the acquisition of software programs. To this end, the following guidelines shall be in effect:
All copyright laws and publisher license agreements between the vendor and the school district shall be observed;
Staff members shall take reasonable precautions to prevent copying or the use of unauthorized copies on school equipment;
Appendix A
Code No. 605.7R1
Page 5 of 6
USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES REGULATION
A back-up copy shall be purchased, for use as a replacement when a program is lost or damaged. If the vendor is not able to supply a replacement, the school district shall make a back-up copy that will be used for replacement purposes only;
A copy of the software license agreement shall be retained by the librarian
A computer program may be adapted by adding to the content or changing the language. The adapted program may not be distributed.
Fair Use Guidelines for Educational Multimedia
Students may incorporate portions of copyrighted materials in producing educational multimedia projects such as videos, Power Points, podcasts and web sites for a specific course, and may perform, display or retain the projects.
Educators may perform or display their own multimedia projects to students in support of curriculum-based instructional activities. These projects may be used:
In face-to-face instruction;
In demonstrations and presentations, including conferences;
In assignments to students;
For remote instruction if distribution of the signal is limited;
Over a network that cannot prevent duplication for fifteen days, after fifteen days a copy may be saved on-site only; or,
In their personal portfolios.
Educators may use copyrighted materials in a multimedia project for two years, after that permission must be requested and received.
The following limitations restrict the portion of any given work that may be used pursuant of fair use in an educational multimedia project:
Motion media: ten percent or three minutes, whichever is less;
Text materials: ten percent or 1,000 words, whichever is less;
Poetry: an entire poem of fewer than 250 words, but no more than three poems from one author or five poems from an anthology. For poems of greater than 250 words, excerpts of up to 250 words may be used, but no more than three excerpts from one poet or five excerpts from an anthology;
Music, lyrics and music video: Up to ten percent, but no more than thirty seconds. No alterations that change the basic melody or fundamental character of the work;
Illustrations, cartoons and photographs: No more that five images by an artist, and no more than ten percent or fifteen images whichever is less from a collective work;
Numerical data sets: Up to ten percent or 2,500 field or cell entries, whichever is less;
Fair use does not include posting a student or teacher's work on the Internet if it includes portions of copyrighted materials. Permission to copy shall be obtained from the original copyright holder(s) before such projects are placed online. The opening screen of such presentations shall include notice that permission was granted and materials are restricted from further use.
Appendix A
Code No. 605.7R1
Page 6 of 6
USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES REGULATION
The [superintendent, principal, teacher, teacher-librarian, choose all that apply or add others] is responsible for ensuring that appropriate warning devices are posted. The warnings are to educate and warn individuals using school district equipment of the copyright law. Warning notices must be posted:
On or near copiers;
On forms used to request copying services;
On video recorders;
On computers; and,
At the library and other places where interlibrary loan orders for copies of materials are accepted.
MORNING SUN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Morning Sun Community School District believes that to adequately prepare modern learners for the future, advances in technology should first be explored within the education environment. At its most simple, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is automation based on association. AI tools analyze large amounts of information and detect patterns using that information to draw a conclusion. The AI tools then improve the conclusions drawn based upon additional data reviewed, patterns found, and prior conclusions drawn. Generative AI for the education environment has the potential to automate classroom organizational tasks, enhance individualized student learning, teaching, assessment of student learning, and even enhance research and professional development for educators.
However, generative AI tools can be vulnerable to inaccuracy in some significant ways. AI tools can: have bias in how the tools detect patterns; detect patterns/draw conclusions based on inaccurate data; and may not be fully accessible to students to different abilities. It is valuable for students to understand the potential uses and limitations of this imperfect technology in an educational environment where AI tools have been carefully selected and are monitored and reviewed within appropriate guidelines. For this reason, human oversight and decision making must lead the selection, use, and review of AI tools in the education environment.
Only humans can verify the accuracy of AI tools and apply proper context to any information generated from them. AI tools will never be the sole determining factor used to make decisions related to student learning, assessment, academic integrity, and behavior. All decisions must be made by appropriate licensed staff and based upon a holistic analysis of available evidence.
Privacy must be protected when using generative AI tools. AI draws conclusions based on analysis of data. No personally identifiable information about other students or staff will be shared with AI tools, without prior written consent from the parent or guardian of the student, or from the student/staff if applicable. Permission must be granted prior to students using open-source AI tools that may share information outside the tool itself, and with any entities outside the control of the privacy terms and conditions of the AI tool.
Use of AI tools by students and staff will be at all times appropriate to the educational environment and subject to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. This includes but is not limited to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule; as well as district policies on studet conduct, copyright protections, student records, personnel records, bullying and harassment, and staff/student expression.
The Superintendent, working in collaboration with relevant staff, will develop regulations necessary to carry out the intent of this policy.
Legal Reference: 16 C.F.R. 312
34 C.F.R. pt. 99
47 C.F.R. 54 520
Iowa Code § 279.8
Cross Reference: 104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
506 Student Records
605.5 School Library
Approved: 2/13/24
Reviewed:
Revised:
Selection of AI tools
AI tools will be vetted by relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to the district’s IT staff and, when related to student learning or assessment, by the Curriculum Director. Decisions to use AI tools should be focused on:
Academic Integrity
Use of AI in research and graded work by students must include proper source citations. Copyright protections must be strictly adhered to. Students who fail to comply with these requirements may face discipline as stated in relevant district policies.
Appropriate Use
Prior to using AI tools, classroom teachers will clearly state how AI tools may be used to engage in and complete educational tasks and assignments. Classroom teachers will establish appropriate parameters for AI tool usage and will monitor student use of AI tools as appropriate.
Prohibited Use
Students will not use AI tools to access or create information that is discriminatory, constitutes bullying or harassment, shares confidential or personally identifiable information of others, or access/create material that is harmful to minors, obscne, or child pornography. Any violation of this regulation will be treated as a violation of relevant district policies and may be subject to loss of access to the AI tool, and further discipline.