Illinois Math and Science Academy

Information Policy

 

SECTION I
INSTRUCTlON

FREEDOM OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION The Board recognizes the need for staff and students to access a wide range of resources required for learning experiences, and expresses good faith in the staff and students' capacity to access educational resources that are appropriate for those learning experiences The Board believes that freedom of access to information carries with it great responsibility for all staff and students to exercise good judgment in selecting and using resources. The Board expects decisions to be grounded in the mission, beliefs and objectives of the Academy and to reflect a commitment to responsible use of the access to information.

By this policy the Academy does not assume the obligation to provide unlimited access to resources .

This policy cannot be used to appeal a supervisory decision regarding the appropriateness of resources. This policy supports the Board policy on academic freedom (IB).

CHALLENGE PROCEDURE The Freedom of Access to Information Committee for reviewing challenges shall be appointed by the Executive Director. The committee will consist of one faculty member, one student services representative, one member of information systems, and the Director of Communications. Up to two ad hoc members will be asked to serve by the system leader in whose system the challenge resides.

1. When a challenge occurs. the person filing it will fill out a written form and return it to
the Director of Communications who will refer it to the individual being challenged
and the immediate supervisor of the person in the system where the resources
challenged were/are being/may be used. The system leader will be notified in writing
of the challenge by the individual making the challenge.

2. When a valid form is returned, the director of communications, serving as chair, will
notify the standing committee and the system leader in whose system the challenged
resources reside. The system leader will request participation by two (2) additional
members to the committee for reviewing the challenge.

3. The freedom of access to information committee will review the challenge, determine
its merit, gather additional information as needed, and recommend action if
appropriate based on the Academy's freedom of access to information policy

4. Decisions of the committee will be communicated in writing to all parties involved
Decisions may be appealed to the Principal and designee of the Executive Director

A P P R OV E D :
March 25,1996

ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY

SECTION I
INSTRUCTION

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The Board recognizes the right of a staff member to discuss any social economic. or political problems as well as the right of a student to explore any field or hold any belief without interference from the staff member

The Board believes. however that freedom carries with it responsibility. Academy freedom also carries with it academic responsibility that is determined by the basic ideals. goals, and components of the IMSA community as they are expressed in the mission, beliefs and goals of the Academy

As a consequence of its responsibility to guarantee academic freedom to both students and teachers, the Board expects that:

1. teachers will create and maintain an atmosphere of open-mindedness
and tolerance;

2. teachers will not attempt directly or indirectly, to limit or control
students judgement concerning any issue, but will make certain that full and fair
consideration is given to the subject and that facts are carefully examined
as to their accuracy and interpretation.