Selection Policy
Created by:
Datha Curtis Brittany Ergle Sandy Moseley
Cover Letter Alcovy High School 14567 Highway 36 Covington, Georgia 30014 (770) 784-4995 Dear Alcovy Parents and Community Members, Alcovy High School encourages its students to take advantage of every educational opportunity available to them. Our media center provides resources for each and every student and faculty member at Alcovy High School. As the newest high school in Newton County, we are proud of our media center and what it has to offer. Our state-of-the-art facility includes a wide array of instructional materials, technology, and services to help your child achieve their educational goals. The attached media center selection policy outlines many important aspects of how we determine what materials go into our media center. Additionally, you will find our philosophy, mission statement, policy on what materials need to be eliminated, position on Internet filtering, as well as many other policies that guide the decisions we make in the media center. We invite you to read over these materials, come and visit us, and encourage your children to take full advantage of everything we have to offer. We are proud to be a part of your children’s education. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate our parents and community and welcome you anytime. Thank you! Alcovy High School Media Center Staff Alcovy High School Mission Statement
“Our mission is to promote personal and academic excellence in our students. We will work together with our students’ parents and the community to prepare our students to be successful in school and in their careers, to enable students to become life-long learners, and to equip them to have fulfilling lives.” School Mission
Alcovy High School Media Center Mission Statement
“To support students, faculty, and staff in the pursuit of personal and academic excellence by developing life-long learners that can effectively locate, evaluate, and utilize information while fostering a love of reading.” (Alcovy High School Media Center, 2006) MC Philosophy/Mission
Media Center Philosophy
The media center functions as the information center for the school. Students and faculty feel comfortable in making use of all resources found in the media center. The media center seeks to fulfill the educational needs of the school’s learning community by collaborating with teachers to create units of study that encourage authentic learning among students. The media center strives for excellence in providing resources for the members of the school to meet academic and professional goals. A warm environment that is conducive to learning encourages students to find enjoyment in reading for pleasure or research. The media center has a flexible schedule that allows students and faculty access to resources. The media center offers instruction and equitable access in order to create efficient users of information. The media specialist seeks to inspire the members of the learning community to become productive lifelong learners by promoting leisure reading and information literacy. MC Philosophy/Mission
Selection Principles
· To make available to faculty and students a collection of materials that will support, supplement, and enrich the curriculum · To provide a wide range of the best materials available on appropriate levels of difficulty · To enhance the curriculum with a variety of materials that are representative of the points of view of the religious, cultural, ethnic, and social groupings within the community · To select materials that present various sides of controversial issues so that students have an opportunity to develop skills in critical analysis and in making informed judgments in their daily lives · To place principle above personal opinion or prejudice in order to assure a comprehensive collection that is appropriate to the school community · To provide materials in a variety of formats, including print, non-print, and electronic materials, to support the students’ learning needs Print Non-print Electronic · To select materials that stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and societal standards Personal Needs (Bishop, 2007)
· To collaborate with teachers and others to develop and publicize policies that govern selection and deselection of resources as well as reconsideration of questioned or challenged materials · To maintain and use a variety of appropriate, up-to-date tools and techniques--for example, reviewing sources, published evaluations, and selected Internet sites--to locate and select materials Selection tools · To promote learning resources by maintaining and circulating published evaluations of materials and equipment, by establishing opportunities for teachers and others to preview resources, and by soliciting teachers’ and students’ regular evaluations of program collections (AASL & AECT, 1998) Annual Selection Targets
Goal I: Promote leisure reading throughout the school. Target: Allocate 5% of our overall budget to the purchase of graphic novels Rationale: The purpose of our selection is to support the goals set forth in the media center’s program development and evaluation plan. In part, selection is based on our media center’s philosophy to develop a love of reading among students. “The library media program encourages and engages students in reading, viewing, and listening for understanding and enjoyment” (AASL, 1998). Graphic novels are a popular format for students. Graphic novels attract all levels of readers but are especially attractive to students who struggle in the area of reading. Our selection also supports our schools’ mission of creating lifelong learners by selecting materials that entice students to read for knowledge as well as choice. Addresses LMP needs Connections Goal II: Improve collaborative efforts with teachers of remedial education classes by providing additional resources and activities that support differentiated methods of learning. Target: Allocate 3% of our overall budget to the purchase of audio books that support instructional themes in remedial education classes.
Rationale: Selection of materials in the media center supports our school mission by ensuring that materials are available to all students to foster academic and personal excellence. Audio books are appealing for students who have visual impairments, or are considered to be a reluctant reader, and also ESOL students. Audio books will serve as a great resource for teachers who teach remedial classes full of diverse learners. “The library media program supports the learning of all students and other members of the learning community who have diverse learning abilities, styles, and needs” (AASL, 1998). Addresses needs of diverse learners Supports school mission Connections Responsibility
Selection of print, non-print, and electronic formats of material for the media center ultimately rests with the media specialist and the media committee. The media specialist works with the school community to meet informational needs that support the school’s mission and goals. The media specialist refers to the needs of the school community, goals of the school, selection criteria, and professional selection tools when evaluating materials to add or remove from the media collection. Selection tools may include but are not limited to resources available within the school district, internet sources, professional journals, and county approved distributors. The media committee considers the recommendations of the media specialist while keeping in mind the selection criteria along with the goals of the school. The media specialist involves the school community in selection by collaborating with the media committee when deciding upon resources for the media center. Print Non-print Electronic Selection tools Apply criteria Selection Criteria
Materials should:
(Bishop, 2007) Copyright policy Media specialists have a professional responsibility to inform educators and students about respecting copyright laws. At the beginning of each school year, the media specialist will reserve a portion of faculty meeting time to discuss copyright guidelines. Teachers will be asked to pass along information concerning fair usage, copyright, and ethical usage to their students in class. The media center will model ethical usage of copyright laws and instruct visiting students to do the same. Copyright laws are available in the library as well as online. Teachers may also refer to the media center’s copy of Carol Simpson’s Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide in searching for answers to copyright questions. Teachers and students will sign a copyright compliance form in agreement with the school’s copyright policy. Copyright notices will be placed around copiers and computers as a friendly reminder to respect the intellectual property rights of others. Listed below are links available to faculty in answering copyright questions. Copyright Annual Dissemination Procedure Media Committee Copyright Compliance Alcovy High School
I, __________________________________, as a member of the Alcovy High School body, have been informed of and will honor the copyright laws and policies that are set forth in Alcovy High School’s teacher and student handbook.
___________________________________________________ Signature
____________________________________________________ Date
Acceptable Use Policy *adapted from (GCPS, 2007).
The Board recognizes that electronic media, including the Internet, provides access to a wide variety of instructional resources in an effort to enhance educational opportunities. Use of electronic resources must be in support of, and consistent with the vision, mission and goals established by the Board and for the purpose of Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) instructional support. All users of the district wide area network and/or other electronic informational services must maintain strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations regarding access. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that all Newton County Public Schools (NCPS) technology users share the NCPS technology resources in an effective, ethical, and lawful manner. NCPS technology should be used for legitimate educational reasons only, and not for personal use. Communicates legal/ethical codes
Strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations must be maintained by all users of the wide area network and/or other electronic informational services including electronic mail (e-mail). Users must respect intellectual property rights and understand that school system data accessible over the network, regardless of the computer or device being used, constitutes property. All electronic, telephonic, and communications transmitted by, received from, or stored in these systems are property of Newton County Public Schools. Users of such systems should have no expectation of privacy. Student e-mail use for legitimate educational purposes will be subject to monitoring and review, including review of text and attachments that are related to that student or students. At NO TIME should a student consider NCPS e-mail private or confidential in any way. Communicates legal/ethical codes
It is important to note that with a global network it is impossible to control or predict all materials a user may accidentally or purposefully discover on an electronic resource. Newton County Public Schools personnel will make every effort to educate and guide all users in the proper use of electronic media, including the Internet. Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems located all over the world, users (and parents of users) must understand that neither Newton County Public Schools nor any district staff member controls the content of the information available on these other systems. Some of the information available is controversial and sometimes may be offensive. Newton County Public Schools DOES NOT CONDONE the use of such materials. Therefore, it is imperative that the user be held accountable for the appropriate utilization of this technology. Internet filtering position
ACCESS IS A PRIVILEGE— NOT A RIGHT! Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of these privileges as well as possible assignment of disciplinary action consistent with the policies and procedures of Newton County Public Schools.
Local schools may establish additional regulatory guidelines for use of electronic resources that include, but are not limited to, guidelines established by this system-wide procedure.
Building administrators shall establish a process for informing students and staff about the district and local school Acceptable Use Procedures. *Note: Alcovy High School follows the NCPS guidelines for such use as they are written and contained in this section of the selection policy.
The definition of NCPS information and data resources will include any computer, server or network, or access provided or supported by NCPS, including portal-delivered applications and the Internet. Use of computer information and resources includes the use of data/programs stored on NCPS computing systems, data/programs stored and/or delivered through magnetic tape, floppy disk, CD-ROM’s, DVD-ROM’s computer peripherals, or other storage media, that is owned and maintained by NCPS. The “user” of the system is the student using NCPS technology. Access is a privilege, not a right, and all students are expected to treat this learning tool with respect. Electronic
NCPS technology and electronic resources must not be used to:
• Harm other people. • Interfere with other people’s work. • Use a computer to steal property. • Gain unauthorized access to other people’s files or programs. • Gain unauthorized access to on-line resources by using someone else’s password. • Make changes to the hardware or software configuration of any machine, including installing or deleting any software. • Improperly using the network, including introducing software viruses and/or bypassing local school or office security policies. • Steal or damage data and/or computers and network equipment. • Access, upload, download, and distribute pornographic, hate-oriented, profane, obscene, or sexually explicit material. Failure to follow these guidelines can violate the Official Code of Georgia, O.C.G.A., Codes 16-9-90, 16-9-91, 16-9-93, and 16-9-93.1 as well as Title XVII of United States Public Law 106-554, known as the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Such actions can also lead to disciplinary actions, up to and including loss of access to NCPS technology resources and further disciplinary actions as defined by existing NCPS policies. Communicates legal/ethical codes Gift Policy
Gift materials are to be recommended by the guidelines set forth in the Selection Criteria section of this policy and shall be either accepted or rejected by these criteria. The Media Committee will evaluate the acceptability of all gift materials. Apply criteria Media Committee Responsibility Weeding Policy Weeding is an ongoing process throughout the school year. Materials to be considered for weeding may include anything that no longer meets one or more of the selection criteria outlined in this policy. Weeding is a necessary process to ensure that the media center collection continues to meet the needs of the school community. Though weeding takes place throughout the year, at the end of the school year, there will be a concerted effort to remove no longer functional materials from the media center. Materials to be considered should be evaluated by the following criteria:
Materials may need to be retained for various reasons including a shortage of materials in a particular content area or to maintain the minimal number of materials needed to retain accreditation. Once materials have been identified for weeding, the county will be responsible for the removal of the materials from the school. Barcodes, stamps, or other identifiers should be eliminated or concealed before the materials are removed from the school. Weeding – How Intellectual Freedom Policy
The media center maintains the same position as The American Library Association in regards to Intellectual Freedom. (Supports Intellectual Freedom) The Library Bill of Rights, adopted by ALA , speaks to the subject of Intellectual Freedom:
Library Bill of Rights The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
Adopted June 18, 1948.
Amended February 2, 1961, and January 23, 1980,
inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996,
by the ALA Council.
(AASL, 1998) Internet Filtering Position Newton County Schools uses a filtering system on all computers within its schools as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy found in this document and in every student handbook. All students and parents are to read and sign this agreement at the beginning of each school year. Violation of this agreement, including bypassing of existing security measures, can/will result in disciplinary action and/or loss of access to technology resources. Reconsideration Procedures
Appeal process for media and locally adopted supplementary materials and instructional materials and software *adapted from (GCPS, 2007) I. Request for Appeal/Media and Locally Adopted a. Objections may be raised to media and locally adopted supplemental materials and instructional software used in the system's educational program despite the fact that the individuals making the selection of such material were duly qualified to make the selection, followed proper procedure and observed the criteria for selecting such material. b. To have standing to either initiate a complaint or intervene in the appeal process, a person must be a citizen of Newton County. The Newton County Public Schools’ Appeal Form must be completed by the complainant. c. There are three levels for appeal of media and supplementary materials not adopted by the Board of Education: 1) school media committee, 2) system media committee, and 3) Newton County Schools Board of Education. II. Procedure a. The school official or staff member receiving a complaint should explain the process for selecting the material and the procedure required to appeal the material. He/she shall refrain from voicing personal opinion. 1. Written documentation of this contact should be filed with the school principal. 2. The material in question shall remain in use unless removed by a complete appeal/challenge process. b. In the event that the complainant is not satisfied with the initial explanation, the complainant shall be referred to the principal or designee who shall explain the selection and reconsideration process and refrain from expressing personal opinion. 1. If, after consultation, the complainant desires to file a formal complaint, a copy of the Newton County Schools’ Appeal Form shall be given to the complainant by the Principal or his designee. 2. The Appeal Form shall be completed and signed by the complainant. The form shall be filed with the Principal and a copy forwarded to appropriate system personnel. c. Any action taken related to challenged materials must be taken by the appropriate Media Committee and not by an individual. 1. A meeting will be scheduled and all committee members and the complainant notified. The complainant shall be notified in writing and invited to attend and present the Appeal Form. 2. Each committee member shall read, view or listen to the material in question in its entirety, and read available professional evaluations pertaining to the material. The Media Specialist and/or Director of Media and Information Services shall compile necessary professional evaluations of the material in question. 3. The deliberations and balloting of the Media Committees shall be in private. 4. The Media Committee shall meet to: 1. Hear the concerns expressed by the complainant. The Media Committee and the complainant are to provide documentation to be presented and the name, address, and phone numbers of any additional speakers for the hearing to the hearing officer at least five days before the appeal hearing date. 2. Discuss the materials relative to appropriateness to grade level, appropriateness to curriculum, etc. 3. In a meeting with a quorum present, render a majority decision relative to requested actions. In determining the suitability and value of the material, the appeal committee may consider the following: a. Relevance b. Pervasive vulgarity c. Quality, content and manner of presentation, appropriateness to age, and the sophistication of students and grade level d. Space limitations d. The committee's decision may be to: 1. Take no removal action; 2. Remove the challenged material from the local school where the complaint was initiated. Action to remove shall be based on evidence that the material is pervasively vulgar and/or lacking in educational value throughout, 3. Restrict the use by students, 4. Place the material at another school level. e. Within five (5) working days of the Media Committee meeting, the principal shall 1. Officially notify the complainant in writing of the decision reached and advise of the right to appeal. 2. File a copy of the Appeal Form and all communications including the committee decision with the appropriate system personnel. f. Special meetings may be called by the Principal or Superintendent to consider temporary removal of materials in unusual circumstances. Temporary removal shall require a majority vote by the appropriate Media Committee. III. Appealed Decision a. Appeals from the Media Committee must be made within ten (10) working days after formal notification of the decision to the Director of Media and Information Services who will convene the System Media Committee. The final decision on any item challenged to the System Media Committee is binding only at the school where the complaint was initiated. 1. The complainant shall address a written request for appeal to the Director of Media and Information Services. 2. The Director of Media and Information Services shall notify other Principals and Associate Superintendents of the appeal and of the Media Committee action on it for their information. b. Appeals from the System Media Committee shall be directed in writing to the Superintendent and Board of Education through the Director of Media and Information Services. 1. Appeals must be made within ten (10) working days after formal notification of the decision by the System Media Committee. 2. The hearing may be conducted by the Board or the Board may designate a panel presided over by a hearing officer or may designate a hearing officer sitting along to conduct the hearing. 3. The Director of Media and Information Services shall notify the Principals of the action taken by the Board. c. Implementation of a decision rendered by the School or System Media Committee shall be held in abeyance until the appeal process is exhausted. IV. The review of selection and appeal procedures shall occur annually as follows: a. The Principals shall review the selection and reconsideration procedures with all staff at least annually. b. The staff shall be reminded that the right to object to material is one granted by policies enacted by the Board of Education. They shall also be reminded of ethical and practical considerations in attempting to handle complaints with courtesy and integrity. Reconsideration Procedure
Reconsideration Form *adapted from (GCPS, 2007)
NEWTON COUNTY SCHOOLS APPEAL FORM FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS TYPE OF MATERIAL (book, software, videotape, etc.) _______________________________
AUTHOR/PRODUCER _______________________________________________________
TITLE __________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHER/DISTRIBUTOR _____________________ COPYRIGHT DATE _____________
GRADE LEVEL MATERIAL IS CURRENTLY BEING USED IN __________________________
APPEAL INITIATED BY _____________________________________________________
ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE: HOME _____________________ WORK _____________________________
Does the person making this request represent him/herself personally or a group or organization?______________________________________________________________
If a group or organization, please identify ________________________________________
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. If you need more space, please attach additional sheets.
1. Have you read, viewed or listened to the material in its entirety?
2. To what in the material do you object? Please be specific.
3. What do you identify as the theme of this material?
4. What good features do you identify?
5. For what age group would you recommend this material?
6. In the place of this material, please recommend other material that you consider of equal or superior quality for the educational purpose intended.
7. Do you wish to make an oral presentation to an appeal Committee?
8. What request do you make for this material?
School where appeal is being filed__________________________________________ Principal’s Name________________________________________________________ Signature of person initiating the appeal ____________________________Date______________ References Alcovy High School Media Center. (2006). Media center mission statement. Covington: Newton County Public Schools. Alcovy High School. (2006). School mission statement. Covington: Newton County Public Schools. American Association of School Librarians, & Association for Educational Communications and Technology. (1998). Information power: Building partnerships for learning. Chicago: American Library Association. Bishop, Kay. (2007).The collection program in schools: Concepts, practices, and information sources. Westport: Libraries Unlimited. Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). (2007). Student/parent handbook: Grades 4-12. Retrieved on March 4, 2008, from: http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps- mainweb01.nsf/16A6C2431AA247F6852573050053A15D/$file/2007-08_Student- Parent _4-12_Handbook.pdf Simpson, Carol M. (2005). Copyright for schools: A practical guide (4th. ed.). Worthington: Linworth. Stanford University. (2007). Stanford copyright and fair use center. Retrieved March 3, 2008, from: http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/index.html United States Copyright Office. (2008). About copyright. Retrieved March 3, 2008, from: http://www.copyright.gov/ University System of Texas. (2001). Crash course in copyright: Fair use guidelines for educational multimedia. Retrieved March 3, 2008, from: http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/ccmcguid.htm#top |