2000 7210

Instruction

The Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services shall collect and maintain a media library for the purpose of assisting and improving instruction for those component districts which subscribe to its service.

No media shall be purchased for the Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services without having been previewed by the Director/designee in charge of that division.

Purchase of recommended media by the Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services is solely for the purpose of making materials available to participating schools and in no way shall be construed to mandate or dictate the use of a specific item by any individual or school district.

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2000 7220

Instruction

SUBJECT: CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

Controversial issues may be studied as part of the curriculum and teachers shall present these issues in their classrooms in an impartial and objective manner.

Teachers wishing to call upon outside speakers in the presentation of controversial issues are required to obtain the approval of the principal who shall keep in mind the obligation for presenting opposing views as well, and who shall inform the District Superintendent prior to the presentation.

It is also recognized that parents and citizens of the community have a right to object to perceived unfair and prejudiced presentations made by a teacher. In considering such objections, the District Superintendent shall provide for a hearing so that both parties may fairly express their views. If requested, the District Superintendent's decision may be appealed to the Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

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2000 7230

Instruction

WFL/EB

It is the intent of the Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services to abide by the provisions of the United States Copyright Law (Title 17, United States Code, Sections 101, et seq.).

All employees and students are prohibited from copying materials not specifically allowed by the copyright law, fair use guidelines, licenses or contractual agreements, or the permission of the copyright proprietor.

Any employee or student who willfully disregards the copyright policy shall be in violation of Federal Copyright Laws and Board policy and shall assume all liability.

A copyright officer may be appointed by the District Superintendent to provide information for all personnel regarding current copyright law and to maintain copyright records.

Regulations and procedures shall be developed by the administration detailing what can and cannot be copied. Appropriate copyright notices will be placed on or near all equipment used for duplication.

Title 17, United States Code Sections 101 et seq.

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2000 7231

Instruction

It is the intent of the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES to adhere to the provisions of copyright laws in the area of microcomputer programs. Though there continues to be controversy regarding interpretation of those copyright laws, the following procedures represent a sincere effort to operate legally. We recognize that computer software piracy is a major problem for the industry and that violations of computer copyright laws contribute to higher costs and greater efforts to prevent copies and/or lessen incentives for the development of effective educational uses of microcomputers. Therefore, in an effort to discourage violation of copyright laws and to prevent such illegal activities:

1. The ethical and practical problems caused by software piracy will be taught in BOCES buildings.
2. BOCES employees will be expected to adhere to the provisions of Public Law 96-517, Section 7(b) which amends Section 117 of Title 17 of the United States Code to allow for the making of a back-up copy of computer programs. This states that "… it is not an infringement for the owner of a copy of a computer program to make or authorize the making of another copy or adaptation or that computer program provided:

1. That such a new copy or adaptation is created as an essential step in the utilization of the computer program in conjunction with a machine and that it is used in no other manner, or
2. That such a new copy and adaptation is for archival purposes only and that all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful".

1. When software is to be used on a disk sharing system, efforts will be made to secure this software from copying.
2. Illegal copies of copyrighted programs may not be made or used on school equipment.
3. The legal or insurance protection of the BOCES will not be extended to employees who violate copyright laws.
4. A designated copyright officer is the only individual who may sign license agreements for software in the BOCES. (Each school using the software also should have a signature on a copy of the software agreement for local control.)
5. The principal of each school site is responsible for establishing practices which will enforce this policy at the school level.

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2000 7240

Instruction

Textbooks and other instructional materials necessary to provide an appropriate educational program for students shall be provided by the Board of Cooperative Educational Services. They shall be selected by appropriate instructional personnel and recommended to the District Superintendent or his/her designee for approval. Optional materials may be considered for students whose parent(s) and/or guardian(s) find instructional materials objectionable.

Students may be charged for textbooks or supplemental books that have been lost, destroyed, damaged or defaced.

In the Career Education program, certain textbooks, instructional supplies and safety equipment may be sold to the students when these materials can reasonably be expected to be needed by the students as they pursue the careers for which they are being trained.

Education Law Section 701 et seq.

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2000 7241

Instruction

Any criticism of instructional materials that are in the BOCES programs shall be submitted in writing to the District Superintendent. The Board of Education will be informed. A committee which includes the building principal will be designated by the District Superintendent to investigate and judge the challenged material.

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2000 7250

Instruction

Any employee in Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES who is aware of any misuse or abuse of any software of electronic communication system owned or rented by Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES shall notify his/her immediate supervisor or building principal.

Any student in Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES who is aware of any misuse or abuse of any software or electric communication system shall notify his/her teacher or building principal.

Administrators who are aware of any abuse/misuse shall notify the District Superintendent or his/her designee and appropriate disciplinary action shall occur based on the circumstances and in accordance with all applicable laws, bargaining agreements, and District policies and regulations.

This policy will be disseminated to all Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES staff and students.