Cathy, I don’t think this quote should be used. It was said out of your frustration. As you said in your post above you didn’t think anyone was listening. Yes, there are restrictions. I don’t like some of the restrictions in my district but I don’t “attack” by being quoted by a student in a critics editorial.

I do research. I present information and the whys. Its not about us against the district. Its about learning and teaching.

Have you thought about why the students can’t change their backgrounds? I worked in a school where the entire student body had laptops. They were not allowed to change backgrounds. Why? When the students had the privilege they used the desktop backgrounds to bully, show gang connections, and sexual preference (yes, it was a high school). I am not saying all students would use it for bad but remember even though its a student login its the property of the district.

We are educators… educate people in a positive, professional manner. I imagine the IT department might listen if you request a meeting and present information compared to reading your quote in the Critic’s Corner of the student paper.

I have only NOT unblocked ONE requested site. Pretty much, if the teacher/student makes the effort to request a page……….the admin sees that there is a need and has said “OK”.

For me — this also gives me a “safety net” in case something violating our AUP comes through. It is NOT me who unblocked the site on my own whim, but an admin “OK”.

Though it is more paperwork, it has been interesting to see admin taking an active part and communicating with both teachers and students on internet usage.

I am going to have to agree with here on your comments.

After leaving the “classroom” and entering the IT department over the last year — I am realizing that there is a method to the madness when it comes to “restrictions” — if we need to call them that……and the battle I am slowly winning at school (lowering these restrictions) is a slow, tedious, lots of losses, and have to remain positive and non-accusatory, day by day, step by step fight.

I think that there is a valid point that needs to be made — but I think that creating a possible “Norma Rae” situation might not be the best way to go.

I like the survey idea — but I would not just include students, I would include teachers too…..hopefully, they are seeing how their hands are being tied too.

But honestly, I wouldn’t fight for background changes — that is cosmetic. I advise them to work for the larger win — less blockage on filters. Have them find ways to prove that THEY ARE THE FILTERS!! We achieved this with a compromise — we have a “please open” website form that is filled out by teacher/student and is okayed by admin. It is an accountability for all and so far I have only blocked ONE site with pretty much a 24 hour turn around. Wish it could be 1 hour — — even one minute — but for now, it is a compromise, and we all won.

I wish Cathy the best — just wonder if there is not another approach that will guarantee a certain victory.