Internet Filtering
EduTech provides Internet Filtering services to K-12 schools and educational organizations connected to STAGEnet, the North Dakota statewide computer network.
By doing so, we bring all filtered entities into compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA is a federal law which requires schools to implement Internet filtering to remain eligible for E-rate funding.
Filtered Categories
Web sites are filtered in like groups called categories. Technology Coordinators may log into the Technology Coordinator's Page to view the list of categories and request changes to their district's profile.
Requesting Changes to the Filter
If staff or students discover sites that should or should not be filtered, they should provide the exact URL in question to their school's Administrator or Technology Coordinator. This person should then request to block or unblock the site through the Filtering/Unfiltering Form, located on the Technology Coordinator's Page.
There are some unique cases, such as virtual hosting of pages, that make it appear as though the site has/has not been changed in the filter. Please ask the Administrator or Technology Coordinator to contact the EduTech Help Desk again and explain that the site is still blocked/unblocked and they will take measures to correct the situation as soon as possible.
Less Restrictive Filtering
In order to comply with E-Rate funding regulations, we may not allow any machine to have permanent and complete unfiltered Internet access. However, your school technology coordinator may obtain a password which allows you to gain less restrictive filtering. The Technology Coordinator can open their browser and go to the Technology Coordinator's Page and log in with their username and password. The password will change every week.
It is the school's sole responsibility to make sure students do not obtain access to unfiltered computers. If you provide unfiltered Internet access to students or distribute the unfiltering password to students, you are in violation of E-Rate regulations and your district may be disqualified from receiving free access to the State Wide Network.
Even when using the less restrictive filtering, you will occasionally encounter sites that are blocked. CIPA does not allow us to provide completely unfiltered internet access. Even with the filter bypass password, sites in the categories of Pornography, and Public Web Proxies are still filtered.
Last updated on July 25, 2008