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Content Filtering

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Public schools that receive E-rate reimbursement for part or all of their telecommunications are subject to FCC guidelines and must be in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act.

 

Content Filtering Software

To be in compliance with FCC CIPA guidelines and school district policies, Bainbridge Island School District uses a content filtering software to monitor online activity and block access to sites that are not in compliance with CIPA. The filtering software categorizes websites based upon certain criteria. Sites categorized as not in compliance with CIPA are blocked. 
 
Due to the ever-changing and evolving information available on the Internet, all content filtering software support a dynamically updated table of blocked sites. However, no content filter is 100-percent perfect. In the vast majority of cases, the content filter is reliable and works as designed. In some cases however, both false-positives (sites that should not have been blocked) and false negatives (sites that should be blocked) are possible.

If a student or staff member feels that a site has been miscategorized, here are steps to have it reviewed for access or recategorization:

  1. Read and follow the directions on the "Access Denied" screen if a website is blocked. Choose the "submit it for review" option.
  2. Bring the issue to the attention of a teacher, teacher-librarian or school principal. While submitting a written request can be done anonymously, including your name and contact information will help the review team learn the specifics of your request and allow them to contact you during the review process.
  3. Staff can call the BISD Technology Help Desk at 206-780-1668 or submit a Help Desk ticket.

Final authority for categorization of a site or access to a site will reside with the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Requests can sometimes be reviewed and processed in the same day; those requiring additional research may take up to 7 school/business days to make a determination. We will make every effort possible to be sure students and staff have access to sites that are in support of the district's goals and policies.