Updated MS TUP… not as easy as it seems
For our project, our group decided to tackle the revising of the TUP for Taipei American School Middle School. We first looked at the present TUP and discussed the history of it, as we know it. It was great to hear all the perspectives depending on how long people have been here. This being our third year in the 1:1 environment, obviously the TUP has changed and transformed as the students have become very comfortable with the laptops, but also more knowledgeable. Of course, sixth graders are the exception as they are new to the MS and getting their laptops for the first time. Our present TUP is organized by our four values: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness. Our group really likes this format and want to keep it. What concerned us was the language and depth – we wanted to make it more positive without stating the “don’ts” so openly. Look at the old and new versions listed below.
Old TUP – Honesty
Property of Taipei American School - All Rights Reserved
New TUP – Honesty
Property of Taipei American School - All Rights Reserved
Again, our focus was to encourage students to be “respectful” with digital technology as well as all walks of life. Also, we put in bold key words for that category to catch students’ eyes and get them to really see what it is about. In the category, the words are: digital tools, privacy, intellectual work and property. Again, trying state all in a positive manner.
Old TUP
Property of Taipei American School - All rights reserved
New TUP
Property of Taipei American School - All rights reserved
At this point, I will not add the other two parts for time and space. Classmates will be able to see the updated TUP via our shared GoogleDoc in class.
We intended our revised TUP to be middle school language appropriate; we hope we accomplished this. We are in the process of sharing it with our MS associate principal and will hopefully continue to engage in discussion. The process was quite time consuming, but luckily we broke it into parts and then shared and revised each section as a group. Each team member has their own personal writing style and agenda. However, I believe the students will really benefit by the groups efforts. It took longer than I thought it would – wordsmithing is tough business!
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