In today’s modern classroom educators and students utilize shared instructional resources such as the Internet and school wide computer networks as frequently as they do books. Due to the increasing use of these educational tools, administrators must take steps to ensure their appropriate use in the K-12 by implementing an effective Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Every AUP should contain seven essential elements:

1. Introduction
   
2. Definitions
   
3. Policy Statement
   
4. Acceptable Uses  
5. Unacceptable Uses
   
6. Violations Consequences
   
7. Permission Forms
   

In addition to an AUP, school districts should have an Internet Safety Plan in place that documents the technology protection methods used to block and/or filter visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic or in anyway harmful to minors as defined in CIPA.

Additional Resources:

Please read Internet Acceptable Use Best Practices for K-12 and visit www.8e6.com/education/k-12aup for K-12 focused templates and documents that can assist you in executing best practices for an effective AUP.