We, students, parents, and even teachers of Naugatuck Public Schools are urging the school district to stop using iBoss in schools. This internet filtering software severely hinders education by restricting access to valuable educational resources and impeding students' ability to learn effectively.

iBoss is designed to filter and block certain websites based on predetermined categories. While its intention may be to protect students from inappropriate content online, it often goes beyond its purpose and becomes a barrier to educational growth. Here's why we believe it is time for a change:

1. Limited Access to Online Tools: Many essential online tools used for research projects or collaborative learning are unjustly blocked by iBoss's strict filtering system. This restriction impedes students' ability to develop critical thinking skills and engage with modern technology effectively.

2. Inefficient Filtering System: The current filtering system implemented by iBoss lacks accuracy and precision when determining what content should be blocked or allowed. This inconsistency leads to frustration among both educators and students due to struggling with accessing necessary information promptly.

3. Negative Impact on Digital Literacy: By excessively blocking websites without clear justifications or explanations, iBoss fails to foster digital literacy skills among our youth – an essential aspect of education in today's digital age.

4. Alternative Solutions Available: Numerous other internet filtering systems exist that strike a better balance between providing safety measures while allowing access to valuable educational content without unnecessary restrictions.

5. According to the United States Department of Education, grades dropped among students once online learning was integrated into schools. To be exact, about 7% of students stopped completing assignments due to online learning being used, and about 20% of students went from an A average to a C average due to this as well. This is likely linked to online education being used in collaboration with overblocking useful resources.

Naugatuck must stop using iBoss systems because Chromebooks have become such an enormous part of modern education, but iBoss is such a large barrier against modern education.

We call upon the Naugatuck School District to hear our pleas to stop the use of iBoss in their schools, here are some ways that they can start phasing out iBoss:

1. Ask for feedback from students and educators about their experience with the iBoss filtering system, more specifically ask if they have ever struggled with trying to access needed resources.

2. Explore alternative internet filtering solutions that strike a better balance between safety and accessibility to educational resources.
 
3. If iBoss is seized and another system is in place, don't just block certain websites in masses by using keywords or types of connections, start with blocking known websites for social media, games, and other websites that shouldn't be accessed, then once another website is found being used for non-educational resources, block that one. Blocking websites individually instead of using keywords will cut back on the amount of unjust filtering.

Together, let's ensure students, teachers, and parents have access to the best possible educational resources without unnecessary hindrances. Sign this petition today to demand an end to the use of iBoss in Naugatuck schools!
Sincerely,
- Parker, a concerned student
 
Sources:

- United States Department of Education
- American Association of School Librarians: "Position Statement on Internet Filtering"
- National Education Association: "Internet Filtering in Schools"
- EdSurge: "The Pros and Cons of Web Filters in Schools"