Censorship+Team+1


 * Censorship Team 1**

1. The new media specialist may feel pressure because she is non tenured and is afraid of upsetting parents who may be considered over-protective. Parents, administration, and teachers can also add pressure.

2. She is on the selection committee, but is not the only person, nor is she the end all be all of decision making. She should read the professional reviews as well as listen to the opinions of the other members of the committee. In addition, she should refer to the district selection policies to be sure she is abiding by them.

3. The teachers should make suggestions based on the needs of their classrooms and their curriculum.

4. Parents should be able to voice concerns and provide insight into what they think is acceptable.

5. The selection policy should include purchasing materials that meet curriculum standards as well as student interests. There needs to be two levels of selection: one for general materials, and one for specific materials such as videos, books, and electronic resources. There needs to be a variety of formats available. School personnel, parents, and students should be involved in the selection process. There needs to be a good selection - overprotecting students by not allowing materials can be just as bad as not censoring. Selections for non-users of the media center should be available also.

6. Step 1: Have a citizen's request for reevaluation of materials form. The form should identify the complaint, the organization that he or she represents, the work in questions, any strengths and weaknesses of the work, and a recommendation of what should happen to the material. Step 2: Refer matter to reevaluation committee. (The item should not be removed during reevaluation). The media specialist will provide documentation of why the item was chosen in the first place. Policies and procedures need to be available also. Step 3: Decision is made and is sent to Superintendent for final decision.

7. The role of the media specialist should be to ensure appropriate use of Internet resources. All students should sign an acceptable use policy before using the Internet. The media specialist should monitor student use and assure Fair Use of all materials on the Internet. Some challenges can be insufficient number of computers for students, Monitoring a large number of students with a single teacher can also be difficult.