Week+Four+5344

School Management Issues

1. Using your district or organization as a frame of reference, please comment on each of the six checklist items regarding policies and procedures in chapter 7.

2. Discuss your district or organization's procedures concerning ethics training for computer and internet users.

The **assessment of legal risks arising from technology** is largely handled for LU at the state level. Lamar University is a part of the Texas State University system and so those policies set forth by the state of Texas would be created within the Department of Information Resources. The DIR provides oversight for the management of government information and communications technology.

The Student Support Services program recently revised our Student Handbook prior to the beginning of the fall semester to more **clearly define our expectations for students regarding their use of technology.**  At that time we added a paragraph which included guidelines addressing cyberbullying and harassment. Our students are also expected to abide by the Lamar University and Texas State University system policies which provide more detailed requirements. SSS participants are expected to be courteous to others in the computer lab, not access obscene materials or download software without prior approval from staff. They are also not allowed to bring food or beverages in the lab area.

**Staff input** was minimal for the new SSS technology guidelines that were created. To my knowledge no input from students was gathered to create either the Lamar University Acceptable Use Policy or the SSS Student Handbook.

Access to the Lamar network is automatically provided to all students, faculty, and staff from the moment they begin their official association with the university. All students, faculty, and staff are provided accounts on the university mail server, and myLamar portal which provides access to campus administrative systems and campus-wide communications. **Support for access to and use of network resources** is provided by the Network Services Department which also has a web site with general information, forms, instructions for using network services, and links to training videos.

**Parent education** is not included as a part of the technology strategies for the SSS program due to the fact that the students we work with are all adults and can held accountable for their own actions and behaviors.

The policy for the computer lab in the SSS Student Handbook is very broad when it states that “any unacceptable use of the computer lab will result in permanent expulsion from the lab.” Students are expected to <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**report any incidents or inappropriate use** <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">that they observe to the SSS staff and staff in turn will bring any reported incidents that they are made aware of to the program director. Lamar University has a network policy which states that “All users of LUNET facilities must abide by the Texas Computer Crimes Law under Section 1, Title 7, Chapter 33 of the Texas Penal Code.” It further states that failure to abide by the state law and policies of appropriate conduct will result in the loss of access to the network and may lead to appropriate disciplinary actions. If the violation were severe enough, users may face prosecution for violations under State and Federal laws.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To my knowledge, our organization does not currently have any **written procedures with regard to ethics training for computer and internet users**. Appropriate use of technology and the computer lab is discussed with students at their initial orientation to the SSS program and students are required to sign a form stating that they agree to participate in the program according to the guidelines set forth in the student handbook.

A freshman at your high school comes running into the main office claiming that he was assaulted by three upper-classmen in the restroom. He said that a teacher came in and saw him being pushed down to the restroom floor, but the teacher quickly left. The student says he can identify the three people who assaulted him. : How do you go about investigating this student’s claim? If it turns out that there was an assault, can you or the school be held liable? What about the teacher who entered and then left the classroom?

In this scenario, I see 3 different issues that need to be addressed. First and foremost is **the physical safety of the students involved** in the assault. My initial action would be to call the school nurse to determine and document if there were any physical injuries present.

Second is **the need to maintain a safe and effective learning environment** for all students in the school. In order to determine what type and degree of discipline is warranted for the students involved, I would gather and compare as much evidence as possible through written statements from each student and the teacher who witnessed the fight. I would also review and document the videos from surveillance cameras.

If it is determined that the teacher was negligent then I would address this issue separately and document it in their employee file. As part of the corrective measures I would require the teacher to complete some additional professional development training dealing with school liability issues and procedures for resolving conflicts between students.

Third is the need to be prepared **to address any liability issues** that arise as a result by effectively and adequately documenting the incident. Either myself as an administrator, the teacher, or the school can be held liable if we failed to take action so I would seek the counsel of the attorney who represents the school district to make sure that any potential issues of liability are taken into consideration. If the actions of the students violated state or federal laws, I would notify the appropriate authorities and let them handle the situation as needed.


 * Week Four Assignment - Student and Personnel Management Suggestions for Improvement **