COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 210

October 6, 2006

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Guidelines for Internet Safety Instruction in Schools

Legislation approved by the 2006 General Assembly and signed by Governor Kaine requires the addition of a student Internet safety component to division Acceptable Use Policies (AUP). This legislation can be found at the following address: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+CHAP0052+pdf.

The legislation requires Internet safety to be integrated within each school divisions academic instructional program. It also directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to issue guidelines regarding Internet safety instruction.

The purpose of this memorandum is to disseminate the departments guidelines and related resources to implement this legislation. The document, Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in Schools, is available in PDF format for school divisions to print and duplicate as needed. The document can be accessed from the departments Web page: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/internet-safety-guidelines.shtml. At a later date, the department will issue companion documents related to the integration of Internet safety within curriculum and instruction.

Division Superintendents currently are required to submit an updated AUP biennially: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2001/inf153.html. The Internet safety component must be included in the September 2008 submission. During school year 2006-2007, the division's Internet safety policy should be developed, aligned with the state guidelines, and incorporated into the AUP. By June 1, 2007, each division must send a statement to the director of the Office of Educational Technology confirming the completion of this work. During school year 2007-2008, the division will review the progress and effectiveness of its Internet safety policy and the implementation of its Internet safety program. By September 1, 2008, each division must submit to the department a copy of the AUP, including the Internet safety policy, and a statement that the AUP and Internet safety program have been reviewed. The department will review division policies for compliance in September 2008.

The Bedford County (Va.) Sheriffs Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Michael J. Brown and through the Operation Blue Ridge Thunder Program, has arranged for Virginia school divisions to access NetSmartz materials from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. These materials will help divisions implement Internet safety programs. Downloadable versions of this material are available on the NetSmartzs Web page: http://www.netsmartz.org/education/.

Delegate Fralin has proposed House Joint Resolution No. 5135 designating Septemberin 2006 and each succeeding yearas Internet Safety Month in Virginia. To review this joint resolution, see http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?062+ful+HJ5135.

Questions about the departments guidelines should be addressed to Dr. Tammy McGraw, director of the Office of Educational Technology, at (804) 225-4429 or at tammy.mcgraw@doe.virginia.gov.

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