Waukee Schools Consider Progressive Social Media Policy

Use of social media is encouraged as a teaching tool at Waukee schools under a proposed policy developed after more than a year of study.

The policy is a departure from earlier drafts, which used prohibitive terms like “do not” and “shall not,” the Des Moines Register reports. The policy does, however, prohibit the release of confidential or protected information.

“It’s more (about) trusting professionalism and using your good professional judgment,” Waukee Superintendent David Wilkerson said.

While the new policy encourages social media use as an education and communication tool, it attempts to clarify the line between personal use and school use of social media.

Faculty members are asked to “carefully consider” both the pros and cons of accepting a student as a friend or follower on social media sites, and to be aware of privacy settings.

Sixth-grade teacher Russ Goerend said he thinks the school district’s openness is refreshing. “You’re not going to find a lot of districts that say, ‘We encourage and recognize that this is valuable,’ ” he told the newspaper.

The social media policy has been approved on two readings and must be approved a third time before it becomes official policy. It could evolve over time, said board vice president Mary Scheve.