AP 670: Electronic Devices
Communication & Technology
Background
The Superintendent supports openness to new and future technologies, and their educated use to create opportunities for many constructive and positive uses that can aid the instructional process.
This procedure is intended to acknowledge that regulated use of some personal electronic devices in the school and community contributes to the safety and security of students and staff, whereas unregulated use of such devices may:
- pose a risk to personal safety,
- disrupt instruction,
- invade personal privacy and/or
- compromise academic integrity.
Definitions
a) Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs): shall be considered to include but are not limited to:
a. Cell phones,
b. Camera or video cameras,
c. Digital and conventional sound recording devices (e.g. digital voice recorders, iPods, etc.),
d. Personal entertainment devices such as CD/MP3 players and miniature TVs,
e. Any form of listening device that may be used for eavesdropping, and/or
f. Any devices with image taking and communications capabilities that are developed or as they become available, in keeping with the spirit of this definition.
Procedures
1. PEDs are to be operated by staff only as prudent to do so, at a time or in a manner that shall not compromise the safety or supervision of students.
2. PEDs are not to be operated during regularly scheduled instructional time without the consent of the classroom teacher in conjunction with school codes of conduct.
3. PEDs are not to be taken into test or examination settings, unless students have been given permission to do so by the teacher administering the test or exam.
4. PEDs are not to be used in settings such as change rooms, washrooms, private counseling rooms, that have the potential to violate a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.
5. Students who bring PEDs to the school are expected to comply with all relevant Administrative Procedures and Codes of Conduct.
6. Students who refuse to comply with the Division’s procedures for use of PEDs in the school setting may be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including temporary confiscation of the PED.
7. The Principal or designate may authorize any specific use of a PED during the school day.
8. Emergency drills, such as a lockdown, fire or evacuation drills, shall review the acceptable use of PEDs in that emergency situation.
9. PEDs are valuable electronic devices. The security and storage of these items is the sole responsibility of the owner/user.
9.1. Notwithstanding confiscation for the purpose of discipline, the Division assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair, or replacement of PEDs.
Approved:
