Student Acceptable Use

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RECOMMENDS

That the Board of Education (“Board”) amend Board Report 19-0828-PO2 Student Acceptable Use Policy

The proposed amendments will:

1. Introduce artificial intelligence and media literacy responsibilities
2. Extend the policy to include recent graduates, and
3. Align electronic communication standards with the district’s Reporting of Child Abuse Neglect and Inappropriate Relations Between Adults and Students policy.

PURPOSE

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) provides access to technology devices, internet, and network systems to students for educational purposes. This Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) establishes the standards for acceptable electronic activity of students (including recent graduates) accessing or using the district or school technology, internet and network systems regardless of physical location. This policy also governs the electronic communications between students and CPS staff and other adults who work in the District.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

1. CPS’ department of Information and Technology Services is responsible for providing the reliable and secure technology resources and updates/upgrades necessary to foster the educational development and success of our students.
2. CPS’ department of Information and Technology Services provides a baseline set of policies and structures to allow schools to implement technology in ways that meet the needs of their students and school/parent/guardian communities.
3. CPS’ department of Information and Technology Services and Office of Teaching and Learning provide a secure framework that will allow students to use online tools, including social media and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), in our classrooms and schools, to increase student engagement, collaboration and learning.
4. CPS’ Office of Teaching and Learning is responsible for instructing students in computer literacy, internet safety and media literacy as mandated by Illinois state law, including the development and implementation of a mandatory, grade-appropriate K–12 AI Literacy curriculum.
5. CPS’ school leaders are responsible for supervising students’ use of technology in accordance with this policy and ensuring students and parent/guardian communities receive this policy.

POLICY TEXT:

I. Applicability

This policy applies to all students who use CPS Computer Resources and/or access the CPS Network ("Students"). Personal electronic devices (e.g. personal laptop) are subject to this policy when such devices are connected to the CPS Network or Computer Resources.

II. Delegated Authority

This policy is subject to periodic review by the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to consider amendments based on technological advances, educational priorities or changes to the organizational vision.

III. Definitions

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Refers to leveraging computing power to mimic human cognitive functions such as problem solving and decision making. This technology encompasses several elements, including learning from data, human feedback and recognizing patterns through machine learning.

Broadcast Email: Refers to any email which contains the same content and is transmitted en masse to school(s), department(s), parents or students from a district-authorized bulk communication tool (e.g. BlackBoard Connect/Mass Notifications).

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA): Refers to the federal law that requires schools that receive federal funding through the E-Rate program to use internet access filtering to protect students from content deemed harmful or inappropriate. For more information, visit https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act.

Collaboration Tools: Refers to systems which support synchronous and asynchronous communication through a variety of devices, tools and channels. Examples of collaboration systems include, but are not limited to: calendaring, message/conference boards, blogs, chats, text, group messaging apps, video conferencing, like Google Meet, websites and podcasting.

Computer Literacy Illinois Instructional Mandate: Requires that all school districts shall ensure students in K-12 receive developmentally appropriate opportunities to gain computer literacy skills embedded in the district's curriculum at each grade level.

Computer Resources: Refers to all computers, electronic devices and information technology, whether stationary or portable, used to conduct the day to day business of CPS and the Board, including, but not limited to, all related peripherals, components, disk space, storage devices, servers, telecommunication devices and output devices such as printers, scanners, facsimile machines and copiers whether owned or leased by the Board.

CPS Network or Network: Refers to the infrastructure used to communicate and to transmit, store and review data over an electronic medium and includes, but is not limited to, CPS email system(s), bulk communication tools, collaboration tools, databases, internet service, intranet and systems for student information, financials, and personnel data and any school-based system authorized for use by ITS.

CPS' Protected Categories: Include sexual orientation, gender or sex (includes gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and pregnancy related medical conditions), race or ethnicity (includes hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), ethnic group identification, ancestry, nationality, national origin, religion, shared ancestry, color, mental or physical disability, age, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, political belief or affiliation (not union related), military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, and any other basis listed under CPS' Comprehensive Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy.

Internet Safety Education Illinois Instructional Mandate: Required for grades 3-12 at each grade level, may be provided for in grades K-2 - A school district must incorporate into the school curriculum a component on internet safety to be taught at least once each school year to students in Grades 3 through 12. The age-appropriate curriculum may begin with students in kindergarten.

Media Literacy Illinois Instructional Mandate: Requires that every high school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on "media literacy," defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate using a variety of objective forms, including, but not limited to, print, visual, audio, interactive, and digital texts.

Portable Device: Refers to movable devices including, but not limited to, laptops, desktop computers and like-devices, tablets, wireless communication devices (e.g. Smartphones).

Recent Graduate: Refers to a former student, of any age, up until one year after the student has graduated. Recent graduates maintain access to their CPS email account for two years post-graduation and are required to use it for communicating with adults who work in the District for one year post-graduation.

Social Media: Refers to online platforms, networks or websites through which users post or share information, ideas, messages and other content (such as photos or videos) and includes, but is not limited to, media sharing sites and social networking sites such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Unauthorized Software: Any software product or tool that is listed as 'prohibited for use' on the CPS Network. The complete list of prohibited technology platforms is located on the district's AUP Guidance website: https://www.cps.edu/AcceptableUsePolicy/Pages/aup.aspx.

Unwelcome Conduct: May include, but is not limited to, bullying, intimidation, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, assaults or threats, touching, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, messages sent via email, text or social media, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, conduct of a sexual nature, sex-based conduct and any other persistent, pervasive or severe conduct that is objectively offensive and unreasonably interferes with, limits, or denies an individual's educational or employment access, benefits, or opportunities.

IV. Privacy and Monitoring

• Privacy. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of the CPS Network and Computer Resources. By authorizing student use of technology resources, CPS does not relinquish control over materials on the systems or contained in files on the systems, including information stored or transmitted over the CPS Network or in school systems. CPS reserves the right to access, review, copy, store, or delete any files stored on Computer Resources and any student communication using the CPS Network or school system. Electronic messages and files stored on CPS computers or transmitted using CPS systems may be treated like any other school property. District administrators may review files and messages to maintain system integrity and, if necessary, to ensure that students are acting responsibly. CPS may choose to deploy location tracking software on Computer Resources for the sole purpose of locating devices identified as lost or stolen.
• Monitoring. The Department of Information & Technology Services (ITS) has the right to access, search, read, inspect, copy, monitor, log or otherwise use data and information stored, transmitted, and processed on the CPS Network and Computer Resources in order to execute the requirements of this policy. CPS Network, including but not limited to internet and email usage, may be monitored and audited by the school management and ITS for inappropriate activity or oversight purposes. ITS reserves the right to: (1) access and make changes to any system connected to the CPS Network and Computer Resources to address security concerns, (2) deny student access to any system to address security concerns, and (3) determine what constitutes appropriate use of these resources and to report illegal activities. ITS may intercept and/or quarantine email messages and other messaging services for business, legal or security purposes.

V. General Provisions

• Acceptable Use. CPS provides email, bulk communication tools (e.g. BlackBoard Connect/Mass Notifications) and other collaboration tools (e.g. CPS Google Classroom), internet access and other CPS Network tools and Computer Resources to students for educational and school-related purposes only. Students are highly encouraged to use CPS-provided resources when applicable. When using the CPS Network, students must conduct themselves in a responsible and appropriate manner.
• Unacceptable Use. Unacceptable use of the CPS Network and Computer Resources are prohibited. Students shall not use the CPS Network or Computer Resources including access to the internet, intranet, collaboration tools, bulk communication tools, social media or email to use, upload, post, mail, display, store, or otherwise transmit in any manner any content, communication or information that, among other unacceptable uses, result in:
  1. Causing harm to others, damage to their property or CPS property, such as behaviors and actions that are:
     • offensive, hateful, threatening, libelous, defamatory bullying, or otherwise meant intimidate others or causing emotional harm;
     • discriminatory, harassing, retaliatory or discriminatory to protected categories of persons based on CPS' Comprehensive Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy;
     • obscene or pornographic, including, but not limited to, transmitting, retrieving, creating, possessing or viewing of any profane, obscene, or sexually explicit material;
     • used for soliciting or distribution information with the intent to incite violence, cause personal harm or bodily injury, or to harass, threaten or "stalk" another individual;
     • used to engage in unwelcome conduct as defined above;
     • used to intentionally damage a CPS device or the device(s) of others; and
     • used to impersonate any person, living or dead, for the sake of reputable harm or embarrassment;
     • creating, using, or distributing synthetic media, including AI-generated 'deepfakes,' to impersonate, defame, harass, or otherwise cause harm to any member of the school community.
  2. Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to the CPS Network or Computer Resources, or to any third party's computer system, such as:
     • intentionally sending viruses, trojan horses, ransomware or other harmful components or malicious code through any format, including but not limited to, email, chat and text;
     • sending junk mail, phishing, spam or unauthorized broadcast email;
     • taking an action that violates the security of any other computer or network or constitutes unauthorized access or attempts to circumvent any security measures;
     • obtaining access to another individual's CPS Network account, files or data, or modifying their files, data or passwords;
     • impersonating any person, living or dead, organization, business, or other entity;
     • degrading the performance of, causing a security risk or otherwise threatening the integrity or efficient operation of, the CPS Network or Computer Resources;
     • depriving an authorized individual from accessing CPS Network or Computer Resources;
     • obtaining Computer Resources or CPS Network access beyond those authorized;
     • accessing or distributing unauthorized information regarding user passwords or security systems;
     • falsifying tampering with or making unauthorized changes, additions or deletions to data located on the CPS Network or school systems;
     • installing, downloading, or using unauthorized or unlicensed software or third party system;
     • violating the terms of use specified for a particular Computer Resource, CPS Network system or school system;
     • engaging in hacking (intentionally gaining access by illegal means or without authorization) into the CPS Network or school system to access unauthorized information, or to otherwise circumvent information security systems;
     • downloading unauthorized games, programs, files, electronic media, and/or stand-alone applications from the internet that may cause a threat to the CPS Network;
     • using technology in a way that disrupts the proper and orderly operation of the school; and
     • using a proxy server or a virtual private network to bypass network security systems (firewalls, etc.).
  3. Using the CPS Network or Computer Resources for commercial purposes, such as:
     • taking actions that enable or constitute wagering or gambling of any kind;
     • accessing, distributing, downloading or using games except when assigned as an educational activity;
     • promoting or participating in any way in unauthorized raffles or fundraisers; and
     • engaging in private business, commercial or other activities for personal financial gain.
  4. Engaging in criminal, unlawful or other inappropriate activities, such as:
     • using technology in a way that constitutes or furthers any criminal offense, or gives rise to civil liability, under any applicable law, including, without limitation, U.S. export control laws or U.S. patent, trademark or copyright laws;
     • using technology in a way that violates any express prohibition noted in this policy or the Student Code of Conduct;
     • plagiarizing or misusing any information gained on or through use of the CPS Network or Computer Resources; and
     • accessing, distributing or downloading non-educational materials or inappropriate content or materials.
• Software Installation. Students are not authorized to install software on CPS equipment unless supervised and approved as part of an educational program or task. ITS may remove student-installed software at any time to preserve or protect the CPS Network or Computer Resources or for any other reason deemed necessary by ITS.
• Filtering and Blocking. CPS is required to protect students from online threats, block access to inappropriate content, and monitor internet use by minors on school networks in accordance with CIPA. CPS uses technology protection measures to block or filter internet sites for inappropriate material that is harmful to minors and prohibit access, to the extent possible, to such content found on the internet. ITS is responsible for managing the district's internet filter and will work with school administrators to ensure the filter meets the academic and operational needs of each school while protecting minors from inappropriate content per CIPA. The district's use of filtering software does not negate or reduce a student's obligation to abide by the terms of this policy and to refrain from disabling filters or accessing inappropriate content online. Parents should be aware that, despite the district's good faith efforts at filtering, objectionable content might be available either due to an individual using unauthorized means to bypass filtering or as a result of the creation of objectionable content that has not yet been identified by filtering software.

  In addition to the use of filtering technology, ITS may also block access to certain websites when required by law, when their use may interfere with the optimal functioning, or when among other things, the website may compromise the security of the CPS network or computer resources. ITS shall establish standards and procedures by which individual websites may be authorized for blocking or unblocking of access from the CPS computer network or otherwise disabling or modifying the district's technology protection measures. All blocking and unblocking decisions will be made by ITS in compliance with applicable laws and the requirements of this policy. Technology protection measures may be disabled for district administrators, supervisors or other authorized staff to access materials via the internet for bona fide research, legitimate educational purposes or other lawful purposes.

• Passwords. Students are required to adhere to password requirements set forth by CPS when logging into school computers, networks, and online systems. Students are not authorized to share their passwords under any circumstances.
• Access Privilege. Student use of the CPS Network and Computer Resources is a privilege, not a right. When a student uses the CPS Network or Computer Resources in a manner that violates this policy or the Student Code of Conduct, their access may be suspended or revoked.
• Artificial Intelligence. CPS is committed to equipping students with AI Literacy to ensure students have the tools and knowledge to thrive in the age of AI. ITS is responsible for ensuring AI systems are responsibly developed, human-centered, thoroughly tested, and continuously monitored to promote dynamic, forward-looking and continuous learning and innovation solutions for the classroom. Students must use CPS approved tools. For CPS guidance and ethical use of AI, review the AI Guidebook at cps.edu/aiguidebook.

VI. Communication with CPS Staff and Other Adults Who Work in the District

• Exclusive Use of CPS Network. Students must use authorized CPS Network systems (e.g., CPS email, Google Classroom) for all electronic communications with CPS staff and other adults who work in the district, except when the communications are specifically authorized as set out below.
• Phone and Text Communications.
  1. Students are prohibited from calling or leaving a voice message on the personal telephone or mobile device of a staff member or other adult who works in the district, except when authorized under sections VI.B.5 and 6 below.
  2. Elementary students are prohibited from communicating with CPS staff and other adults who work in the district via text messaging, instant messaging, or telephone, except when authorized under sections VI.B.5 and 6 below.
  3. All students, and recent graduates within one year of graduation, are prohibited from communicating with CPS staff and other adults who work in the district via personal email, text messaging, instant messaging, social media or telephone, except when authorized under sections VI.B.5 and 6 below, and except for authorized pre-approved safety meet-up communications, including field trips where:
     • The parent/guardian and principal both provide prior written permission to text messaging, instant messaging, and telephone communications, and
     • Communications are sent as group texts/messages with the parent/guardian on the text message or instant message, and also include the staff/adults' CPS email address as a recipient of the message for proper retention of communications.
  4. Students may receive bulk text notifications and alerts on their mobile devices from their school when their parent/or guardian provides written permission to enroll and receive these text notifications and alerts. Consent forms are available at https://www.cps.edu/about/policies/acceptable-use-policy/resources/.
  5. Students ages 15-21 enrolled in a CPS Program for Re-Engagement to High School Attendance and Truancy (chronic truants), the Student Outreach and Re-Engagement Centers (SOAR), Juvenile Justice (JJ) teams, or Juvenile Justice Re-Entry Program ("Program") may communicate via text, instant message with the CPS staff member(s) assigned to the student when authorized in writing by the Program manager. The requirements for a student to phone, text, or instant message with a CPS staff member shall be listed in the student's Program enrollment materials, and the student must follow all listed requirements.
  6. The Chief Executive Officer for CPS may authorize additional programs under which a student may have text, or instant message communications with a CPS staff member or other adult who works in a school. In such cases, a student must: (a) receive written authorization from the manager of the CEO-authorized program to engage in text, or instant message communication with a CPS staff or other adult who works in a school, and (b) abide by the text, or instant message communication requirements listed in the student's program enrollment materials.
• Personal Email. Students are prohibited from communicating with CPS staff and other adults who work in the district via the personal email of a staff member or other adult who works in a school. Students must use their CPS email account to engage in email communications to CPS staff or other adults who work in a school.
• Social Media. Students shall not communicate with CPS staff and other adults who work in the district via the staff/adult's Personal Social Media or otherwise through non-CPS Social Media. Students shall not add, invite, follow or accept the request of any CPS staff member or other adult who works in a school to be a 'friend' or contact on any Personal Social Media or non-CPS Social Media account. Students may use CPS Social Media to communicate with CPS staff members or other adults who work in the district.
• Other Electronic Communications. Students are prohibited from communicating with CPS staff and other adults who work in the district via any group messaging application or other electronic or online tool except via tools provided on the CPS Network or otherwise authorized by ITS (e.g. CPS Google Classroom, BlackBoard Connect/Mass Notifications).
• Exceptions.
  1. Nothing in this section shall restrict communications between a student and their parent/guardian or other family members;
  2. Nothing in this section shall restrict emergency Communications involving the health and safety of a student in which case the student should include more than one CPS staff member on the contact.
  3. Out of school youth, vulnerable or highly mobile youth that do not have an active CPS email account or if the contact is of urgent nature and it is not possible to arrange a CPS email account in time to address the situation may communicate via their personal email account to CPS staff's CPS issued email account.
• Reporting Improper Contact. Any student or parent/guardian who believes a CPS-affiliated adult (including staff, administrators, contractors, and volunteers) has engaged in conduct that violates standards for professional staff/student boundaries outlined in the district's Reporting of Child Abuse, Neglect and Inappropriate Relations Between Adults and Students policy (Section I.G), including by sending a communication to the student's mobile device, personal email or personal social media or non-CPS social media or by asking the student to provide contact information for this purpose should (except when authorized above) should:
  1. Immediately notify a trusted staff member at the student's school, such as a principal, teacher, or counselor; or
  2. If a student or parent/guardian experiences barriers to notifying a trusted staff member at the student's school, the student or parent/guardian should directly notify the Office of Student Protections (OSP) by filing an online complaint form at www.cps.edu/osp, calling (773) 535-4400, or emailing osp@cps.edu; and
  3. Show or provide a copy or details of the suspected professional staff/student boundary violation communication to the trusted staff member of OSP.

VII. Notification of Misuse

Students have a duty to protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of the CPS Network and Computer Resources. Students must immediately notify a teacher or other school staff if they have identified a security problem or are aware of any unauthorized access, use, abuse, misuse, injury, degradation, theft or destruction of the CPS Network or Computer Resources.

VIII. Discipline

Failure to abide by this policy may subject a student to discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

IX. Student Protections

Every student has the right to a safe and supportive environment free of discrimination, harassment, abuse and retaliation. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that does not allow discrimination on the basis of sex in schools and school activities including all of Chicago Public Schools. Title VI is a federal civil right law that does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin. Additionally, the Office of Student Protections and Title IX works to ensure students are safe from all sexual misconduct, bias-based harm and abuse. If a student is harassed, intimidated, or bullied based on a CPS protected category or threatened through the CPS Network, Computer Resources or otherwise, they should contact their principal or the Office of Student Protections via email at osp@cps.edu, Online Complaint at www.cps.edu/osp, phone: 773-535-4400, by mail or in-person at 110 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60612.

Policy References