I’m not against trying out proxy servers (although interestingly enough, the proxy our students like best is actually blocked on my machine. Weird). However, I strongly believe that I shouldn’t have to.

That being said, sometimes you just don’t want to wait 24 hours when you’re at that “teachable moment” in class.

Of course, if all else fails, there are a variety of “proxy” sites that will allow you to bypass filters. Students know about these and use them all the time. A Google search of “proxy sites” may help.

I’m trying hard to keep the focus on the students in my arguments. It’s easy to say that it makes my life more difficult, but I doubt that’s not as convincing as saying it makes the students’ learning experiences poorer.

I’m anticipating that you will win this one (or go elsewhere). My suggestion is that once you get these resources back in your classroom, part of the mission be publicizing exceptional student work and showcasing students in board meetings, etc. It’s a lot easier to get the superintendent to notice it if you can say, “remember those kids who were at the school board meeting showing their online projects? Well, this decision stopped that project. Fix it.”

Maybe bring a student to your SIT meeting and have them explain what’s been lost?

@nporter: I’m coming from a small school and I miss the ease with which the bureaucracy can be navigated. I’ve been told this school district is overly bureaucratic even for large districts.

@ben chun: I won’t delete your comment. I’m open for “creative” circumnavigation techniques- though I do feel that it’s important to work for change in our schools. However, I agree that it’s very important to not inadvertently punish the students with poor teaching because I’m focused so heavily on fighting for changing district policies. Your idea might be a stopgap to fill the time between now and whenever policies become more tech friendly.

@joe: I’m definitely emphasizing the ways in which the blocked content can be used to improve classroom instruction. Unfortunately it gets harder to prove its effectiveness when it can’t be accessed. I can also hear the inevitable question, “Show how this will improve CAPT (our NCLB standardized test) scores.” I’m not sure I can prove that to the level it’ll require.

Luckily, I’m on the School Improvement Team’s technology committee and our first meeting is tomorrow. Any ideas on what issues I’ll be bringing up?