1)  Time deals with spontaneity.  If you're planning your unit more than 3 weeks in advance, you need to write for permission.  The inspiration to use the material must originate with the teacher, and the teacher must initiate the making of multiple copies.

     2)  Portion is what it says it is.  You may use a portion of material for one course only (your course may contain more than one section of students). You may not archive and re-use the material without securing copyright permission.  If you teach a 1-semester course which repeats the second semester, Fair Use will never cover the second or subsequent uses.  There are specifics on different types of material, the number of days allowed to teach and re-teach, and the number of times you may copy from an individual author.  You need to read and comply with the district policy.  If you are still uncertain, check with your library media specialist.

     3)  Copying:  A teacher cannot make more than one copy of an item for each student in the course and must actually use the material for a specific activity or discussion.  EACH COPY MUST CONTAIN THE COPYRIGHT INFORMATION.  Correct notice includes Author, Title, Publisher, and Copyright year.

     4)  Distribution Limits:  Materials cannot be copied to substitute for the purchase of books, periodicals, or consumables.  The copying cannot be selected, directed, or provided by a higher authority such as a department head or principal.  Copying cannot be used to create, replace, or substitute for anthologies.  Material does not have to specify copyright protection; the law guarantees it to the copyright holder.  Unless a book/material specifically allows schoolwide copying, do NOT present the material to the copy room for copies for anyone other than yourself, the inspired teacher.  If you violate this, Fair Use will not protect you, the copy person, or the other teacher(s).

Copyright re:  video, software, the Internet.  Always document the instructional objectives.  Never show a movie as a reward.  A teacher must be present while a video is being shown.  When you load software on your computer, that very action creates a copy, and your original becomes your backup copy.  On the Internet, currently you can link sites to your webpage, but you cannot embed the content of the link into your site.  District board policy is very specific, and it is your responsibility to follow the guidelines.  Be smart; don't take a chance.

Sources:  http://www.irvingisd.net    Irving ISD Board Policy Online.

             Simpson, Carol.  Copyright for Schools: A Practical Guide.  Linworth Publishing
                   Co., c2001.