SETDA has reached out to clarify some of the questions related to the new internet safety legislation (P.L. 110-385) which made changes to the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and applies to districts receiving funding for E-rate and EETT. This law only applies to schools/district receiving EETT or eRate funding. The bullet below identifies the new requirement and additional information is also available at this link: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html
• Schools and libraries must also certify that, as part of their Internet safety policy, they are educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including cyber bullying awareness and response and interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms.
As you have mentioned, the requirement is very broad and this new law was intended NOT to burden districts. The intention is to leave the decisions up to the district on how to meet the requirement. Districts can meet it in just about any way e.g., putting materials on a website, distributing fliers, having an Internet Safety handbook, etc. The only real requirement is that they have an internet safety education policy and certify that they meet it. The FCC nor USAC, the E-rate governing board, has yet to issue any kind of guidance on the policy and it seems both bodies are unlikely to do so in the near future.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Vision of Students today
This is a remarkable video that every teacher should see. I found this on Greg Kane's blog.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Discovery Science coming to CT Middle Schools
TO: Superintendents of Schools
FROM: Mark K. McQuillan, Commissioner of Education
DATE: December 8, 2008
SUBJECT:Computer-Based Science Resources for Middle Grades
I am excited to announce a new resource that will soon be available to all middle grades (Grades 6-8) in Connecticut. Connecticut has acquired a statewide license to Discovery Education Science—an award winning standards-based multimedia resource that powers any middle-school science curricula with virtual labs, simulations, interactive videos, reading passages and more, coupled with a real-time assessment component that measures students’ progress. This is a four-year license and is provided by the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) through the Commission for Educational Technology (CET) at no cost to school districts.
Organized around an inquiry framework and covering physical, earth and space, and life sciences, Discovery Education Science is designed to engage students, encourage exploration, stimulate critical thinking and deepen understanding of science.
Within the next few weeks, you will be contacted by a representative from Discovery Education who will provide you with information on how to provide all of your Grades 6-8 students and their science teachers with access to these wonderful resources. Professional development will also be available, both online and through the regional educational service centers (RESCs), so that all teachers understand how to make full use of the Discovery Education Science materials to enhance their curricula.
In these difficult fiscal times, it is critical that we continue to enhance the educational experiences of our students and help them develop solid skills in core content areas like science, as well as in the use of technology and the development of 21st century skills. I am so pleased that we are able to advance each of these areas with the addition of Discovery Education Science.
You can find out more about Discovery Education Science by visiting their Web site If you have any questions about this initiative, you may contact Karen Kaplan, educational technology consultant, at karen.kaplan@ct.gov or 860-713-6781.
FROM: Mark K. McQuillan, Commissioner of Education
DATE: December 8, 2008
SUBJECT:Computer-Based Science Resources for Middle Grades
I am excited to announce a new resource that will soon be available to all middle grades (Grades 6-8) in Connecticut. Connecticut has acquired a statewide license to Discovery Education Science—an award winning standards-based multimedia resource that powers any middle-school science curricula with virtual labs, simulations, interactive videos, reading passages and more, coupled with a real-time assessment component that measures students’ progress. This is a four-year license and is provided by the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) through the Commission for Educational Technology (CET) at no cost to school districts.
Organized around an inquiry framework and covering physical, earth and space, and life sciences, Discovery Education Science is designed to engage students, encourage exploration, stimulate critical thinking and deepen understanding of science.
Within the next few weeks, you will be contacted by a representative from Discovery Education who will provide you with information on how to provide all of your Grades 6-8 students and their science teachers with access to these wonderful resources. Professional development will also be available, both online and through the regional educational service centers (RESCs), so that all teachers understand how to make full use of the Discovery Education Science materials to enhance their curricula.
In these difficult fiscal times, it is critical that we continue to enhance the educational experiences of our students and help them develop solid skills in core content areas like science, as well as in the use of technology and the development of 21st century skills. I am so pleased that we are able to advance each of these areas with the addition of Discovery Education Science.
You can find out more about Discovery Education Science by visiting their Web site If you have any questions about this initiative, you may contact Karen Kaplan, educational technology consultant, at karen.kaplan@ct.gov or 860-713-6781.
Friday, December 05, 2008
December's Bond Commission's Agenda has been posted
Unfortunately, the Infrastructure funds have not been placed on this month's agenda.
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