EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title: Statement of Guiding Principles Code No.:          600

The goals and objectives of the school district are designed to achieve the philosophy statement of the school district. An advisory committee (School Improvement Advisory Committee) of representatives of the school district community and the school district is appointed to make recommendations for the goals and objectives of the education program.

Short-term and long-term objectives for the education program are established annually by the board. These objectives will reflect the results of the needs assessment, recommendations of the advisory committee (SIAC), recommendations from the superintendent, and changes in law.

Annually, the board will report to the committee regarding progress toward the achievement of the goals and objectives of the education program.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:

July 1979

July 1993

August 1996

June 1999

June 2002

June 2005

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

September 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title: School Calendar Code No.:          601

The school calendar will accommodate the education program of the school district. The school calendar is for a minimum of 1,080 hours and includes, but is not limited to, the days for student instruction, staff development, in-service days and teacher conferences. The academic school year for students shall begin no sooner than August 23. Each year the minimum school calendar may include up to 5 days or 30 hours of instruction delivered primarily over the internet.  Employees may be required to report to work at the school district prior to this date.

Special education students may attend school on a school calendar different from that of the regular education program consistent with their Individualized Education Program.

The board, in its discretion, may excuse graduating seniors from up to five days or 30 hours of instruction after the school district requirements for graduation have been met. The board may also excuse graduating seniors from making up days missed due to inclement weather if the student has met the school district's graduation requirements.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the school calendar, with input from the calendar committee, annually for recommendation, approval, and adoption by the board.

The board may amend the official school calendar when the board considers the change to be in the best interests of the school district's education program. The board shall hold a public hearing on any proposed school calendar prior to adopting the school calendar.

Date of Approval/Review/Revision

July 2005

June 2008

July 2011

August 2015

September 2017

September 2022

August 2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title: School Day Code No.:          602

The student school day for grades one through twelve will consist of a minimum of six hours, not including the lunch period. The school day consists of the schedule of class instruction and class activities as established and sponsored by the school district. Time during which students are released from school for parent/teacher conferences may be counted as part of students’ instructional time. The minimum school day will meet the requirements as established for the operation of accredited schools.

The board may define the number of days kindergarten will be held and the length of each school day for the students attending kindergarten. The school day will consist of a schedule as recommended by the superintendent and approved by the board.

The school district may also record a day of school with less than the minimum instructional hours if the total hours of instructional time for grades one through twelve in any five consecutive school days equals a minimum of thirty hours, even though any one day of school is less than the minimum instructional hours because of a staff development opportunity provided for the instructional staff or parent-teacher conferences have been scheduled beyond the regular school day. If the total hours of instructional time for the first four consecutive days equal at least thirty hours because parent-teacher conferences have been scheduled beyond the regular school day, the school district may record zero hours of instructional time on the fifth consecutive school day as a school day.  Schedule revisions and changes in time allotments will be made by the superintendent.

When the school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies, the part of the day during which school was in session (total hours of instructional time) will constitute a school day.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to inform the board annually of the length of the school day.

Date of Approval/Review/Revision:

July 2005

June 2008

July 2011

August 2015

September 2017

August 2020

September 2022

• Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum development decisions
• Verify integration of local, state, and/or federal mandates, Multi-Culture-Gender Fair, Career and Technical Education, etc)
• Verify how the content/discipline support each of the broader student learning goals and provide a Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade continuum that builds on the prior learning of each level

It is the responsibility of the superintendent and/or designee to keep the board apprised of necessary curriculum revisions and progress on each content area related to curriculum development activities, and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum development including recommendations to the board.

ate of Adoption/Review/Revision:

June 2002

July 2005

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

September 2022

It is the responsibility of the superintendent and/or designee to keep the board informed of curriculum implementation activities, the progress of each content area related to curriculum implementation activities, and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum implementation including recommendations to the board.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:

July 1993

August 1996

June 1999

June 2002

July 2005

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

September 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title: Curriculum Evaluation Code No.:          605

Regular evaluation of the total curriculum is necessary to ensure that the written and delivered curriculum is having the desired effect for students.

Curriculum evaluation refers to an ongoing process of collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting information to aid in understanding what students know and can do. It refers to the full range of information gathered in the district to evaluate (make judgments about) student learning and program effectiveness in each content area.

Curriculum evaluation must be based on information gathered from a comprehensive assessment system that is designed for accountability and committed to the concept that all students will achieve at high levels, is standards-based, and guides decisions which impact significant and sustainable improvements in teaching and student learning.

The superintendent and/or designee is responsible for curriculum evaluation and for determining the most effective way of ensuring that assessment activities are integrated into instructional practices as part of school improvement with a particular focus on improving teaching and learning. A curriculum framework will describe the procedures that will be followed to establish an evaluation process that can efficiently and effectively evaluate the total curriculum. This framework will, at a minimum, describe the procedures for the following curriculum evaluation activities:

• Identify specific purposes for assessing student learning
• Develop a comprehensive assessment plan
• Select/develop assessment tools and scoring procedures that are valid and reliable
• Identify procedures for collecting assessment data
• Identify procedures for analyzing and interpreting information and drawing conclusions based on the data (including analysis of the performance of various sub-groups of students)
• Identify procedures for establishing at least three levels of performance (specific to the content standard and the assessment tool when appropriate) to assist in determining whether students have achieved at a satisfactory level (at least two levels describe performance that is proficient or advanced and at least one level describes students who are not yet performing at the proficient level)
• Identify procedures for using assessment information to determine long-range and annual improvement goals
• Identify procedures for using assessment information in making decisions focused on improving teaching and learning
• Provide support to staff in using data to make instructional decisions

• Define procedures for regular and clear communication about assessment results to the various internal and external publics
• Define data reporting procedures
• Verify that assessment tools are fair for all students and are consistent with all state and federal mandates
• Verify that assessment tools measure the curriculum that is written and delivered
• Identify procedures for deciding when multiple assessment measures are necessary for making good decisions and drawing appropriate conclusions about student learning
• Identify roles and responsibilities of key groups
• Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum evaluation
• Ensure participation of eligible students receiving special education services in district-wide assessments.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent and/or designee to keep the board informed of curriculum evaluation activities, the progress of each content area related to curriculum evaluation activities, and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum evaluation including recommendations to the board.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:

July 1993

August 1996

June 1999

June 2002

July 2005

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

September 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title: Pilot-Experimental-Innovative Projects Code No.:          606

The board welcomes new ideas in curriculum. Proposals for pilot or experimental projects shall first be reviewed and analyzed by the superintendent and/or designee. Projects recommended by the superintendent and/or designee will be considered by the board. Pilot and experimental projects approved by the board, the Iowa Department of Education, or the U. S. Department of Education may be utilized in the education program.

Students, who may be or are asked to participate in a research or experimental project or program, must have their parents' written consent on file prior to participating in the project or program. A research or experimental program or project requiring parents' prior written consent is a program or project designed to explore or develop new or unproven teaching methods or techniques. These programs or projects shall be designated as research or experimental projects or programs. The educational materials of a program or project designated as a research or experimental program or project may be inspected and reviewed by the parents of the students participating or being considered for participation in the program or project. The inspection and review by the parents shall be in accordance with board policy 629, "Instructional Materials Inspection."

Date of Approval/Review/Revision

July 2011

September 2017

September 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title: Summer School Instruction Code No.:          608

The Carroll Community School District recognizes the importance of ongoing learning opportunities for students. As such, the district shall offer summer school instruction in accordance with the following:  

The board, in its discretion, may offer summer school for one or more courses and student activities for any students who need additional help and instruction or for enrichment in those areas. Upon receiving a request for summer school, the board will weigh the benefit to the students and the school district as well as the school district’s budget and availability of licensed employees to conduct summer school. Summer school shall be conducted in such buildings, on such grade levels, for such length of time as the board, upon the recommendation of the superintendent and/or designee, may determine.

• If a child who is eligible for special education has been determined to need extended school year services as necessary to receive a free appropriate public education, as determined according to state and federal law, such services shall be provided as described in the child’s individualized education program.
   
• In additional instances as provided by law.  The superintendent may develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:

July 1979

July 1993

August 1996

June 1999

June 2002

June 2005

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

September 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:   Special Education Code No.:          609

The board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students. The school district will provide a free appropriate public education program and related services to students identified in need of special education. Special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or the maximum age allowable in accordance with the law.

Students requiring special education will attend general education classes, participate in non-academic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a regular general education setting to the maximum extent possible appropriate to the needs of each individual student.

The appropriate education for each student shall be written in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).  Special education students shall be required to meet the requirements listed for special education students in board policy 508 and in their Individualized Education Programs (IEP), for graduation.  However, beginning with the graduating class of 2022, students receiving special education services shall meet the state requirement of completing four years of English-language arts and three years each of mathematics, science and social studies, known as 4-3-3-3, aligned to state required standards, with support and accommodations as described in their IEP for graduation with a regular diploma.  A student’s IEP Team may determine how a particular student meets 4-3-3-3.

The superintendent may provide a certificate of completion/attendance to those students receiving special education services who do not complete requirements for graduation with a regular diploma, including 4-3-3-3.  Students who receive a certificate of completion/attendance remain eligible for special education services until they reach maximum age of twenty-one.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent and/or designee and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special education and related services.

Children from birth through age 2 and children age 3 through age 5 are provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school district shall work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services at the earliest appropriate time to children with disabilities from birth through age 2. This is done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:

July 1979

January 1988

July 1993

August 1996

August 1997

June 1999

June 2002

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

August 2019

February 2021

September 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title: Multicultural /Gender Fair Education Code No.          610

Students will have an equal opportunity for a quality education without discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, color, creed, gender, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

The education program will be free of discrimination and provide equal opportunity for students. The education program will foster knowledge of, respect, and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society. Special emphasis is placed on Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans,  and persons with disabilities. It will also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both genders.

Date of Approval/Revision:

July 2006

July 2007

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:              Citizenship           

Code No.:              612

Being a citizen of the United States, of Iowa and of the school district community entitles students to special privileges and protections as well as requiring the students to assume civic, economic, and social responsibilities and to participate in their country, state, and school district community in a manner that entitles them to keep these rights and privileges.

As part of the education program, students will have an opportunity to learn about their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens of this country, state, and school district community.  As part of this learning opportunity, students are instructed in the elements of good citizenship and the role quality citizens play in their country, state, and school district community.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:           

January 2003           

June 2005           

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

October 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:             Health Education           

Code No.:              613

Students in grade levels one through twelve will receive, as part of their health education, instruction about personal health; food and nutrition; environmental health; safety and survival skills; consumer health; family life; human growth and development; substance abuse and non-use, including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and poisons on the human body; human sexuality; self-esteem; stress management; interpersonal relationships; emotional and social health; health resources; prevention and control of disease; and communicable diseases.  The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve, and maintain physical, emotional, and social well-being.

The areas stated above are included in health education and the instruction is adapted at each grade level to aid understanding by the students.

Parents who object to health education instruction in human growth and development may file a written request that the student be excused from the instruction.  The principal shall determine an alternative activity or study for the student.  The superintendent and/or designee will have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:

July 2005           

June 2008           

July 2011

September 2017

October 2022

September 2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:              Career Education           

Code No.:              614

Preparing students for careers is one goal of the education program.  CTE (Career and Technical Education) will be written into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve.  This education will include, but not be limited to, awareness of self in relation to others and the needs of society, exploration of employment opportunities, experiences in personal decision-making, and experiences of integrating work values and work skills into their lives.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent and/or designee to assist licensed employees in finding ways to provide CTE in the education program.  Special attention should be given to courses of vocational education nature.  The board, in its review of the curriculum, will review the means in which CTE is combined with other instructional programs.

Date of Approval/Review/Revision:

July 2005                  

June 2008                 

July 2011

September 2017

September 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:              Physical Education           

Code No.:              615

Students in grades one through twelve are required to participate in physical education courses unless they are excused by the principal of their attendance center.

Students may be excused from physical education courses if the student presents a written statement from a doctor stating that such activities could be injurious to the health of the student or the student has been exempted because of a conflict with the student's religious beliefs.

Students in grades 9-12 may also be excused from physical education courses if:

• • the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available, or
  • the student has obtained a physical education waiver for a [semester or trimester] because the student is actively involved in an athletic program.
  • the student is participating in the Legislative Page Program at the state capitol for a regular session of the general assembly; or
  • the student is enrolled in a junior reserve officer training corps.

Twelfth grade students may also be excused from physical education courses if the student is enrolled in a cooperative, work-study or other educational program authorized by the school, which requires the student's absence from school.

Students who will not participate in physical education must have a written request or statement from their parents.

Date of Approval/Review/Revision

July 2005

June 2008            

July 2011

September 2017

October 2021

October 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:              Global Education           

Code No.:              616

Because of our growing interdependence with other nations in the world, global education is incorporated into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve so that students have the opportunity to acquire a perspective on world issues, problems, and prospects for an awareness of the relationship between an individual's self-interest and the concerns of people elsewhere in the world.  

Date of Approval/Review/Revision:

July 2005

June 2008

July 2011

September 2017

October 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title: Basic Instructional Program

Code No.:  617

The basic instructional program will include the courses required for each grade level by the Iowa Department of Education.  The instructional approach will be gender fair and multicultural.

The basic instructional program of students enrolled in kindergarten is designed to develop healthy emotional and social habits, language arts and communication skills, the capacity to complete individual tasks, character education, and the ability to protect and increase physical well being with attention given to experiences relating to the development of life skills and human growth and development.

The basic instructional program of students enrolled in grades one through six will include English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, physical education, traffic safety, music, visual art and computer science.  Computer science will be offered during at least one grade level.

The basic instructional program of students enrolled in grades seven and eight will include English-language arts, social studies, including instruction related to civics, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, family and consumer, career, technology education, physical education, music, visual art, and computer science.  Computer science will be offered during at least one grade level.

The basic instructional program of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve will include English‑language arts (6 units), social studies (5 units), mathematics (6 units), science (5 units), health (1 unit), physical education (1 unit), fine arts (3 units), foreign language (4 units), financial literary (1/2 unit) vocational education (12 units), and computer science (1/2 unit).

The board may, in its discretion, offer additional courses in the instructional program for any grade level.

Each instructional program is carefully planned for optimal benefit taking into consideration the financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the board or superintendent.  Each instructional program's plan should describe the program, its goals, the effective materials, the activities, and the method for student evaluation.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations stating the required courses and optional courses for kindergarten, grades one through six, grades seven and eight, and grades nine through twelve.

Date of Approval/Review/Revision

July 2005           

June 2008

July 2011

August 2019

October 2022

August 2024

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:              Academic Freedom           

Code No.:              618

The board believes students should have an opportunity to reach their own decisions and beliefs about conflicting points of view.  Academic freedom is the opportunity of licensed employees and students to study, investigate, present, interpret, and discuss facts and ideas relevant to the subject matter of the classroom and appropriate to and in good taste with the maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities of the students.

It is the responsibility of the teacher to refrain from advocating partisan causes, sectarian religious views, or biased positions in the classroom or through teaching methods.  Teachers are not discouraged from expressing personal opinions as long as students are aware it is a personal opinion and students are allowed to reach their own conclusions independently.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal to ensure academic freedom is allowed but not abused in the classroom.

Date of Approval/Review/Revision

July 2011

September 2017

October 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:             Teaching About Religion           

Code No.:              619

Since the contribution of religions to civilization is one of the crucial keys to understanding human history and development, the study of religious history and traditions should be part of the school curriculum, and can play a vital role in enhancing an understanding among people of different religious backgrounds and beliefs.  Such study should give neither preferential nor derogatory treatment to any single religion or to religion in general, and should not be introduced or utilized for devotional purposes.  Furthermore, no religious belief or nonbelief should be promoted by the school district or its employees.

Criteria used to guide academic inquiry in the study of religion should seek the same objectivity and educational effectiveness expected in other areas of the curriculum.  In addition, materials and activities should be sensitive to America's pluralistic society and should educate rather than indoctrinate.  All instructional and other school-sponsored activities should meet the three-part test established by the Supreme Court to determine constitutionality; (1) the activity must have a secular purpose; (2) the activity's principal or primary effect must be one that neither advances nor inhibits religion; and (3) the activity must not foster an excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the principal.  The principal shall determine an alternative activity or study for the students.  The superintendent and/or designee shall have the final authority to determine an alternative activity or study for the student.

Date of Approval/Review/Revision

July 2011

September 2017

October 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:             Program for Gifted and Talented Students           

Code No.:              620

The board recognizes some students require programming beyond the regular education program.   Students with special abilities will be identified and provided an appropriate educational program.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent and/or designee to develop a gifted and talented program which provides for identifying students, program evaluation, and training of employees.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:                       

June 2002

June 2005           

June 2008

October 2011

September 2017

October 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

 Policy Title:            Program For Students At Risk                   

Code No.:              621

The board recognizes some students require additional assistance in order to graduate from the regular education program.  The district shall provide a program to encourage and provide an opportunity for students at risk to achieve their potential and obtain their high school diploma.

The board shall have a plan to identify and provide special assistance to students who have difficulty mastering the language, academic, cultural, and social skills necessary to reach the educational levels of which they are capable.  The plan shall accommodate students whose aspirations and achievement may be negatively affected by stereotypes linked to race, national origin, language background, gender, income, family status, parental status, and disability. 

The plan shall include strategies for identifying at-risk students and objectives for providing support services to at-risk students.  These objectives shall be translated into performance objectives for all school personnel.  The plan shall also include provisions for in-service training for school personnel; strategies and activities for involving and working with parents; provisions for monitoring the behavioral, social, and academic improvements of at-risk students; provisions for appropriate counseling services; strategies for coordinating school programs and community based support services; and maintenance of integrated educational environments in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination legislation.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:                                     

August 14, 1989

July 1993                         

August 1996

June 1999

June 2002

June 2005

June 2008

October 2011

September 2017

October 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:              Competent Private Instruction                 

Code No.:              622

The Carroll Community School District recognizes that families with students of compulsory attendance age may select alternative forms of education outside the traditional school setting, including private instruction.  The applicable legal requirements for private instruction, including, but not limited to those relating to reporting and evaluations for progress, shall be followed.

Except as otherwise exempted, in the event a child of compulsory attendance age as defined by law does not attend public school or an accredited nonpublic school, the child must receive private instruction.  Private instruction means instruction using a plan and a course of study in a setting other than a public or organized accredited nonpublic school.

Private instruction can take the form of competent private instruction and independent private instruction.  The Iowa Department of Education recognizes three options for delivery of this form of instruction:  two options for delivery of competent private instruction and one option for independent private instruction.

Competent private instruction means either private instruction provided on a daily basis for at least one hundred forty-eight days during a school year, to be met by attendance for at least thirty-seven days each school quarter by or under supervision of a licensed practitioner, which results in the student making adequate progress, or private instruction provided by a parent, guardian or legal custodian. 

Independent private instruction means private instruction that meets the following criteria: (i) is not accredited, (ii) enrolls not more than four unrelated students, (iii) does not charge tuition, fees, or other remuneration for instruction, (iv) provides private or religious-based instruction as its primary purpose, (v) provides enrolled students with instruction in mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies, (vi) provides, upon written request from the superintendent of the school district in which the independent private instruction is provided, or from the director of the department of education, a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the independent private instruction, and the names of the students enrolled, (vii) is not a nonpublic school and does not provide competent private instruction as defined herein, and (viii) is exempt from all state statutes and administrative rules applicable to a school, a school board, or a school district, except as otherwise provided by law.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision: 

July 2005           

June 2008                 

October 2011

December 2013

January 2014 

July 2015

September 2017

October 2021

October 2002

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:              Dual Enrollment           

Code No.:              623 

The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction may also enroll the student in the school district in accordance with state law and policy.  The student is considered under dual enrollment.  The parent, guardian, or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the board secretary no later than September 15 of the school year in which dual enrollment is sought on forms provided by the school district.  On the form, they will indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating.  The forms are available at the central administration office.

A dual enrollment student is eligible to participate in the districts’ extracurricular and academic activities in the same manner as other students enrolled in the school district.  The policies and administrative rules of the school district will apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other students enrolled in the school district.  These policies and administrative rules will include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of the applicable fees.

A dual enrollment student whose parent, guardian, or custodian has chosen standardized testing as the form of the students’ annual assessment will not be responsible for the cost of the test or the administration of the test.

After the student/parent notifies the school district which activities in which she/he wish to participate, the school district will provide information regarding the specific programs.

The applicable legal requirements for dual enrollment including, but not limited to, those related to reporting and eligibility shall be followed.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:     

August 1992         

July 1993

August 1996

June 1999         

June 2002         

June 2005

June 2008

October 2011

January 2014

July 2015

September 2017

October 2022

November 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

SERIES 600

Policy Title:            International Study           

Code No. :               624

The board recognizes some students may wish to take courses outside the country.  Generally, students must obtain board approval prior to participating in the international student exchange program if the student wants to receive credit for the program.  If it is a continuing program which has received a favorable evaluation by the administration and the program will be carried out in the future as it has in the past, prior board approval is not required.

The board's approval is not an assumption of liability, but rather an approval of the credits from the program toward graduation requirements.  The students, employees or others traveling with the students shall assume all costs and maintain personal and liability insurance protection.  The school district assumes no cost or liability for the participants.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision: 

October 2011

September 2017

November 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

SERIES 600

Policy Title:            Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution           

Code No. :               625

In accordance with this policy, students in grades nine through twelve may receive academic or career and technical education credits that count toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for courses successfully completed in post-secondary educational institutions.  Students and parents or guardians shall be made aware of the post-secondary instructional opportunities as part of the development of each student’s individual career and academic plan as required by law.  The Superintendent or designee is responsible for developing the appropriate forms and procedures for implementing this policy and the following post-secondary educational opportunities:   

Concurrent Enrollment

The board may, in its discretion, enter into a contractual agreement with a community college to provide courses for eligible students in grades nine through twelve when comparable courses are not offered by the school district.  Notice of the availability of the concurrent enrollment program shall be included in the school district’s registration handbook, and the handbook shall identify which courses, if successfully completed, generate post-secondary credit.  Students shall not be charged tuition for concurrent enrollment courses and shall not be required to reimburse the school district for tuition if they do not successfully complete a course. Students or their parents or guardians may be required to pay a fee consistent with the school district’s established textbook policy and other materials for the concurrent enrollment course to the extent permitted by law.  Students or their parents or guardians may also be required to provide their own transportation to and from concurrent enrollment courses to the extent permitted by law.  However, transportation shall be the responsibility of the school district for any contracted course that is used to meet school district accreditation requirements.

Students who successfully complete a concurrent enrollment course, as determined by the postsecondary institution, shall receive postsecondary credit in accordance with the institution’s policies and high school credit that will be reflected on their high school transcript.  The Superintendent or designee shall grant to a student who successfully completes a concurrent enrollment course a unit of high school graduation credit for every unit of high school level instruction successfully completed.  

Post-Secondary Enrollment Option

Ninth and tenth grade students who have been identified by the school district as gifted and talented, and eligible eleventh and twelfth grade students, may utilize the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (“PSEO”) program.  To qualify, a course must be a nonsectarian, credit-bearing course that leads to a degree, and in the areas of:  mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities, career and technical education.  A course is not eligible for PSEO if a comparable course is offered by the school district.  In addition, courses at a community college with which the district has a concurrent enrollment agreement are not eligible for PSEO.  Students shall not be charged for tuition, textbooks, materials, or fees related to a PSEO course with the exception of equipment that becomes the property of the student. 

The school district shall reimburse the post-secondary institution for tuition and other expenses for each PSEO course up to $250.  Students who successfully complete a PSEO course, as determined by the postsecondary institution, shall receive postsecondary credit and high school credit.  The Superintendent or designee shall grant to a student who successfully completes a PSEO course a unit of high school graduation credit for every unit of high school level instruction successfully completed. 

Transportation to and from the postsecondary institution is the responsibility of the student or parent or legal guardian of the student enrolled in a PSEO course.  Eligible students may take up to seven hours of post-secondary credit during the summer months and receive high school credit upon successful completion of a post-secondary course.  However, the student or student’s parent or legal guardian is responsible for all costs associated with courses taken during the summer.   

Students who fail a PSEO course and fail to receive credit are required to reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course up to the $250.00 reimbursement maximum.  Prior to registering, students under the age of eighteen are required to have a parent or guardian sign a form indicating that the parent is responsible for the costs of the course should the student fail the course and fail to receive credit.  Reimbursement waivers may be granted by the board if sufficient verification is provided to show that the student was unable to complete the course for reasons outside the student’s control, including but not limited to physical incapacity, a death in the student’s immediate family, or a move out of the school district.   

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision: 

October 2011

September 2017

May 2018

February 2021

November 2022

June 2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

SERIES 600

Policy Title:            Foreign Students           

Code No. :               626

Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence and immunization.  Foreign students must be approved by the board.  The board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign students accepted.  Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered residents if they meet one of the following requirements:

5. The student resides with his/her parents(s) or legal guardian;
6. The student is in the United States with appropriate documentation (Form I-20) from the United States Department of Justice-Immigration and Naturalization Services; or
7. The student is a participant in a recognized foreign exchange program; and
8. The student is physically able to attend school and has provided the school district with such proof, including a current TB test.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision: 

October 2011

September 2017

November 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

SERIES 600

Policy Title:            On-Line Courses           

Code No. :               627

The board recognizes that online coursework may be a good alternative for students to not only meet graduation requirements, but also have the opportunity to take advanced or other courses not offered by the school district.

High school students may earn an unlimited amount of credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing online courses offered through agencies approved by the board and the Iowa Department of Education. Credit from an online course may be earned only in the following circumstances:  

• The course is not offered at the high school. 
• Although the course is offered at the high school, the online educational setting will be more conducive to the student's individual learning needs;
• Although the course is offered at the high school, the student will not be able to take it due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict that would keep the student from meeting graduation requirements;
• The course will serve as a supplement to extend homebound instruction;
• The student has been expelled from the regular school setting, but educational services are to be continued; or
• The principal, with agreement from the student's teachers and parents, determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment.

Students applying for permission to take an online course shall complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in an online learning environment.  In addition, the express approval of the principal shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an online course. The school must receive an official record of the final grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized.

Provided courses are part of the student’s regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the costs for an online course, such as textbooks or school supplies, shall be borne by the school district, up to $250 per course, for students enrolled full-time.

Any additional costs such as textbooks, rentals or school supplies, shall be borne by the parents for students enrolled full-time.  

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision: 

October 2011

September 2017

February 2021

November 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:            Instructional Materials Selection           

Code No.              628

The board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the school district.  The board delegates this authority to licensed employees to determine which instructional materials will be utilized and purchased by the school district to licensed employees.  The licensed employees will work closely together to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation of textbooks in the education program.

The board may appoint an ad hoc committee to assist the licensed employees in  selecting instructional materials.  The committee may be composed of any of the following groups of stakeholders: school district employees, parents, community members or representatives of community groups.

In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, the licensed employees will consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to report to the board the action taken by the selection committee.

In making its recommendations to the superintendent, the licensed employees will select materials which:

• support the educational philosophy, goals and objectives of the school district;
• consider the needs, age, and maturity of students;
• are within the school district's budget;
• foster respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and difference of opinion;
• stimulate growth in factual knowledge and literary appreciation;
• encourage students to become decision-makers, to exercise freedom of thought and to make independent judgment through the examination and evaluation of relevant information, evidence and differing viewpoints;
• portray the variety of careers, roles, and lifestyles open to all people, and,
• increase an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each member of a multicultural society.

In the case of textbooks, the board will make the final decision after a recommendation from the superintendent. The criteria stated above for selection of instructional materials will also apply to the selection of textbooks.  The superintendent may appoint licensed employees to assist in the selection of textbooks.

Gifts of instructional materials must meet these criteria stated above for the selection of instructional materials.  The gift must be received in compliance with board policy 913, "Gifts - Grants - Bequests."

The superintendent will establish additional criteria to guide the selection of instructional materials through administrative regulation, ensuring alignment with educational goals and compliance with laws.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision: 

June 2008                 

July 2011                   

October 2011 

September 2017

November 2022

September 2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:            Instructional and Media Center Materials Inspection and Display        

Code No.:              629           

Parents and other members of the school district community may view the instructional and media center materials used by the students.  All instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any federally funded programs must be available for inspection by parents.  

Instructional and media center materials may be viewed on school district premises.  

The district will publish on the district's website a comprehensive list of all books available to students in media centers operated by the school district.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding the inspection of instructional materials.
 

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:            

July 2008

October 2011

September 2017

November 2022

September 2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:            Objection To Instructional and Media Center Materials           

Code No.:              630

Members of the school district community may object to the instructional and library materials utilized in the school district and ask for their use to be reconsidered.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations for reconsideration of instructional materials.  Information related to the process for reconsideration of instructional and media center materials will be made available on the district's website.

Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the district have the ability to request that their student not be able to access certain instructional materials or check out certain media center materials.  For the purposes of prohibiting access to instructional materials, Iowa law has defined instructional materials to mean either printed or electronic textbooks and related core materials that are written and published primarily for use in elementary school and secondary school instruction and are required by a state educational agency or district for use by students in the student's classes by the teacher of record.  Instructional materials does not include lesson plans.
 

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:           

July 1979           

August 1993

August 1996

June 1999

June 2002

June 2005

June 2008

October 2011

September 2017

November 2022

August 2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:            Instructions To The Reconsideration Committee                  

Code No.:              630E1

The policy of this school district related to selection of learning materials states that any member of the school district community may formally challenge instructional and media center materials used in the district's education program.  This policy allows those persons in the school and the community who are not directly involved in the selection of materials to make their opinions known.  The task of the reconsideration committee is to make an informed recommendation on the challenge.  The meetings of the committee may be subject to the open meetings law.

The most critical component of the reconsideration process is the establishment and maintenance of the committee's credibility in the community.  For this purpose, the committee is composed of a combination of community members and licensed employees as detailed in 630R1.  The community should not, therefore, infer that the committee is biased or is obligated to uphold prior professional decisions. 

The reconsideration process, the task of this committee, is just one part of the selection continuum.  Material is purchased to meet a need.  It is reviewed and examined, if possible, prior to purchase.  It is periodically re-evaluated through updating, discarding, or re-examination.  The committee must be ready to acknowledge that an error in selection may have been made despite this process.  Librarians and school employees regularly read great numbers of reviews in the selection process, and occasional errors are possible.

In reconsidering challenged materials, the role of the committee, and particularly the chairperson, is to produce a climate for meaningful discussion of disparate views. The committee should begin by finding items of agreement, keeping in mind that the larger the group participating, the greater the amount of information available and, therefore, the greater the number of possible approaches to the problem.

The committee may, at its discretion, hear an oral presentation from the complainant to the committee to expand and elaborate on the complaint.  The committee may listen to the complainant, to those with special knowledge, and any other interested persons.  In these discussions, the committee should be aware of relevant social pressures, which are affecting the situation.  Individuals who may try to dominate or impose a decision must not be allowed to do so.  Minority viewpoints expressed by groups or individuals must be heard, and observers must be made to feel welcome.  It is important that the committee create a calm, nonvolatile environment in which to deal with a potentially volatile situation.  To this end, the complainant will be kept informed of the progress of the complaint.

The committee will listen to the views of all interested persons before making recommendations.  In deliberating its recommendation, the committee should remember that the school system must be responsive to the needs, tastes, and opinions of the community it serves.  Therefore, the committee must distinguish between broad community sentiment and attempts to impose personal standards.  The deliberations should concentrate on the appropriateness of the material. The question to be answered by the committee is, "Is the material appropriate for its designated audience at this time?"

The committee's final recommendation will be (1) to remove the challenged material from the total school environment, (2) to take no removal action, or (3) to agree on a limitation of the educational use of the materials.

The committee chairperson will instruct the secretary to convey the committee's recommendation to the office of the superintendent.  The recommendation should detail the rationale on which it was based.  A letter will be sent to the complainant outlining the outcome.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:

July 2005           

June 2008

October 2011

September 2017

November 2022

RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL AND MEDIA CENTER MATERIALS REQUEST FORM

8. Do you wish to make an oral presentation to the Review Committee?

______Yes (a) Please contact the Superintendent

(b) Please be prepared at this time to indicate the approximate length of time your presentation will require. Although this is no guarantee that you'll be allowed to present to the committee, or that you will get your requested amount of time.

_________Minutes.

______No

Dated_____________________ Signature ____________________________________

Adoption/Review/Revision

November 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:            Reconsideration Of Instructional Materials 

Code No.              630E3

SAMPLE LETTER TO INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGING INSTRUCTIONAL

or MEDIA CENTER MATERIALS

Dear:

We recognize your concern about the use of  _______________________________ in our school district.  The school district has developed procedures for selection of instructional materials but realizes that not everyone will agree with every selection made.

To help you understand the selection process, we are sending copies of the school district's:

                  1.         Instructional goals and objectives,

                  2.         Instructional and Media Center Materials Selection policy statement, and

                  3.         Procedure for reconsideration of instructional materials and media center materials.

If you are still concerned after you review this material, please complete the Reconsideration Request Form and return it to me.  You may be assured of prompt attention to your request.  If I have not heard from you within one week, we will assume you no longer wish to file a formal complaint.

Sincerely,

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:           

July 2005           

June 2008

October 2011

September 2017

November 2022

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:            Request to Prohibit A Student From Accessing Specific Instructional and Media Center Materials

Code No.              630E4

REQUEST TO PROHIBIT A STUDENT FROM ACCESSING

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONAL AND MEDIA CENTER MATERIALS

Request to prohibit a student from accessing certain instructional and media center materials to be submitted to the superintendent.  Please complete one form per student.

REQUEST INITIATED BY  ________________________________  DATE _____________

Name  ______________________________________________________________________

Address  ____________________________________________________________________

City/State  _____________________________ Zip Code________ Telephone_____________

Name of Affected Student ____________________________________________________________________________

Requester’s Relationship to Student (must be parent/legal guardian)______________________

BOOK OR OTHER PRINTED MATERIAL TO PROHIBIT STUDENT FROM ACCESSING:

Author _____________________ Hardcover __________ Paperback _____ Other___________

Title _________________________________________________________________________

Publisher (if known) ____________________________________________________________

Date of Publication _____________________________________________________________

MULTIMEDIA MATERIAL TO PROHIBIT STUDENT FROM ACCESSING:

Title ________________________________________________________________________

Producer (if known) ____________________________________________________________

Type of material (filmstrip, motion picture, etc.) ______________________________________

________________________                        _________________________________________

Dated                                                                                     Signature

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:           

November 2022

August 2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:            Objection To Instructional and Media Center Materials Regulation           

Code No.:              630R1

A.    A member of the school district community may raise an objection to instructional materials used in the school district's education program. While the individuals recommending the selection of such material were duly qualified to make the selection and followed the proper procedure and observed the criteria for selecting such material; the district must be ready to acknowledge that an error in selection may have been made despite this process.  School employees regularly read great numbers of reviews in the selection process, and occasional errors are possible.
 

1.  The complainant will address the complaint at the lowest organizational level of licensed staff.  Often this will be the classroom teacher. 

2.  The school official or employee receiving a complaint regarding instructional materials or media center material will try to resolve the issue at the lowest organizational level.  The materials generally will remain in use pending the outcome of the reconsideration procedure.

a.            The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint will explain to the individual the district's selection procedure, criteria to be met by the instructional materials, and qualifications of those persons selecting the material.

b.            The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint will explain to the individual the role of the objected material in the education program, its intended educational purpose, and additional information regarding its use.  In the alternative, the employee may refer the individual to the teacher-librarian who can identify and explain the use of the material.

c.               In the event the matter is not satisfactorily resolved with the teacher or school librarian, the complainant shall contact the building principal requesting an informal reconsideration of instructional material or library material.  The building principal will meet with the complainant to review the objection to the instructional materials or library material within five days of being contacted by the complainant.  After meeting with the complainant, the principal may convene an informal reconsideration committee that consists of three licensed staff members from the building.  The informal committee will review the complaint and attempt to resolve the matter.

d.              If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the principal, the next step is to contact the superintendent within five days of receiving the decision from the building principal.

e.  The building principal will direct the complainant to complete the Request for Reconsideration of Instructional and Media Center Materials Form, and notify the building level principal of receipt of the complaint within two school days after the reconsideration form is received.  Schools officials will offer to assist the complainant in completing the form, but if a complainant refuses to complete the form, the complaint will be deemed invalid and no further action taken.
 

B.    Request for Reconsideration

1.            A member of the school district community may formally challenge instructional and media center materials on the basis of appropriateness used in the school district's education program.  This procedure is for the purpose of considering the opinions of those persons in the school district and the community who are not directly involved in the selection process.

2.            Each attendance center and the school district's central administrative office will keep on hand and make available Request for Reconsideration of Instructional and Media Center Materials Forms. 

3.            The individual will state the specific reason the instructional or media center material is being challenged.  The Request for Reconsideration Form is signed by the individual and filed with the building-level principal.  

4.            The building-level principal will promptly file the objection with the superintendent for re-evaluation.

5.            The superintendent will convene a reconsideration committee within two weeks of receipt of the Reconsideration Form.

6.            The committee will make their recommendation to the superintendent within five school days of meeting.

7.            The superintendent will issue a decision related to the Reconsideration Request Form within 5 school days of receipt of the committee’s recommendation.  A copy of the superintendent’s decision will be provided to the complainant.

8.            An appeal of the superintendent’s decision may be filed with the board secretary within five days of the superintendent’s decision.  The board will determine whether to hear the appeal at the next regular meeting or within 30 days of the superintendent’s decision, whichever is later.  If the board elects to hear the appeal, the board will act to affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the superintendent.  The board’s decision will be communicated to the complainant. The board’s decision will be deemed final.

9.            Generally, access to challenged instructional material will not be restricted during the reconsideration process.  However, in unusual circumstances, the instructional material may be removed temporarily by following the provisions of Section B.6.d. of this rule.

10.            The Reconsideration Committee

1. The reconsideration committee is made up of six members.
   1. 1. One licensed employee designated annually by the superintendent.
      2. One teacher-librarian designated annually, as needed, by the superintendent.
      3. One member of the administrative team designated annually by the superintendent.
      4. Three members of the community appointed annually, as needed, by the board.

2. The committee will annually select their chairperson and secretary.

3. The committee will meet at the request of the superintendent.

4. Special meetings may be called by the board to consider temporary removal of materials in unusual circumstances.  A recommendation for temporary removal will require a two-thirds vote of the committee.

5. The committee may be subject to applicable open meetings and public records laws.  Notice of committee meetings is made public through appropriate communications methods as required by law.

6. The committee will receive the completed Reconsideration Request Form from the superintendent.

7. The committee will determine its agenda for the first meeting, which may include the following:

1. 1. Distribution of copies of the completed Reconsideration Request Form.
   2. An opportunity for the individual or a group spokesperson to talk about or expand on the Reconsideration Request Form.
   3. Distribution of reputable, professionally prepared reviews of the challenged instructional material if available.
   4. Distribution of copies of the challenged instructional material as available.

h. The Committee will determine whether interested persons, including the individual filing the challenge, may have the opportunity to share their views.  The committee may request that individuals with special knowledge be present to give information to the committee.

i.    The committee's final recommendation may be to take no removal action, to remove the challenged material from the school environment, or to limit the educational use of the challenged material.  The sole criterion for the final recommendation is the appropriateness of the material for its intended educational use.  The written final recommendation and its justification are forwarded to the superintendent, the complainant and the appropriate attendance centers.
 

j.            The individual filing the challenge is kept informed by the superintendent of the status of the reconsideration request throughout the reconsideration process.  The individual filing the challenge and known interested parties are given appropriate notice of meetings as required by law.

k.            Following the superintendent's decision with respect to the committee's recommendation, the individual may appeal the decision to the board for review. 

l.            A recommendation to sustain a challenge will not be interpreted as a judgment of irresponsibility on the part of the individuals involved in the original selection or use of the material.

m.  Requests to reconsider materials which have previously been reconsidered by the committee must receive approval of two-thirds of the committee members before the materials will again be reconsidered. 

n.   If necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the committee, the committee may consolidate related challenges or decline to hear multiple challenges to the same materials.  Generally, the committee will not hear subsequent challenges to the same materials within the same school year.

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:           

August 23, 1982                       

August 8, 1988

August 1993

August 1996

June 1999

June 2002

June 2005

June 2008

October 2011

September 2017

November 2022

September 2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

Policy Title:            Media Centers           

Code No.:              631

The school district will maintain a school media center in each building for use by employees and by students during the school day.

Materials for the media centers will be acquired consistent with all applicable laws and board policy, "Instructional Materials Selection." The district shall provide access to all parents and guardians of students enrolled in the district an online catalog of all books available to students in the school media centers.  This access will be displayed on the school district’s website.  Any challenges to media center materials will be handled following the process for handling challenges to instructional and media center materials as established in board policy.  

It is the responsibility of the principal of the building in which the school media center is located to oversee the use of materials in the media center.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop procedures for the selection and replacement of both media center and instructional materials. 

Date of Adoption/Review/Revision:           

November 2022

August 2023

Homework, extra class activities or assignments beyond the regular classroom instruction program are part of the education program.  Homework will be an extension and an enrichment of the classroom instruction.   

Homework should promote meaningful learning and provide an opportunity for students to practice skills and activities, to share and discuss ideas, to review and summarize materials, to become acquainted with resources, to organize thoughts, to prepare for classroom activity, and to make up incomplete assignments.

Guidelines regarding homework shall be developed in conjunction with the curriculum of the education program.

Date of Adoption/Revision: 
July 1979       
August 1993
August 1996
June 1999
June 2002
June 2005
June 2008
October 2011
September 2017

Elementary Grades – Grades Pre-Kindergarten – 5

All students should use their time at school to the fullest extent because of the availability of trained teachers and resource materials.  Also, ample time for a normal home life is imperative.  

Homework that is done by students should promote meaningful learning.  Students should not be expected to do work at home that they do not understand or know how to do.

The purpose of homework assignments in the elementary grades should fulfill one or more of the following needs:

          1.         To help develop a sense of responsibility and effective work habits.

          2.         To make up incomplete assignments due to absence.

          3.         To promote enrichment experiences.

          4.         To practice educational skills.

          5.         To encourage creativity.

Teachers should be reasonably sure that students do have the materials necessary to do meaningful homework when assignments are made.  The amount of homework can be expected to change as the student progresses through school.

Middle School – High School – Grades 6 – 12

Homework is valuable for all middle school and high school students.  It fulfills the following needs:

1. Homework places the responsibility of learning on the student.  By setting his/her own schedule and budgeting his/her own time, the student develops habits of self-discipline and good work procedures.
2. To be effective, learning cannot be confined to the classroom.  It is hoped that classroom stimulation will encourage self-induced homework to become the norm for the student wishing to broaden and deepen his intellectual growth.
3. Homework provides the student opportunities to practice and master content or skills introduced in school in the privacy of his/her home.  Because no immediate resource person is available, the student learns to depend upon his/her own capabilities.
4. Homework can encourage creativity.

It is difficult to state explicitly how much time each student should spend on homework.  Some students are stimulated more than others, some wish to do more homework, and some work at a rate several times that of others.  It is recognized that courses may demand that the work be done only at school where specific materials are located.

Date of Adoption/Revision: 
July 1979       
July 1993
August 1996
June 1999
June 2002
June 2005
June 2008
October 2011
September 2017

In order for students to experience a diverse curriculum, the board encourages employees to supplement their regular curricular materials with other resources.  In so doing, the board recognizes that federal law makes it illegal to duplicate copyrighted materials without authorization of the holder of the copyright, except for certain exempt purposes.  Severe penalties may be imposed for plagiarism, unauthorized copying or using of media, including, but not limited to, print, electronic and web-based materials, unless the copying or using conforms to the "fair use" doctrine.  Under the "fair use" doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research providing that all fair use guidelines are met.  

While the school district encourages employees to enrich the learning programs by making proper use of supplementary materials, it is the responsibility of employees to abide by the school district's copying procedures and obey the requirements of the law.  In no circumstances shall it be necessary for school district staff to violate copyright requirements in order to perform their duties properly.  The school district will not be responsible for any violations of the copyright law by employees or students.  Violation of the copyright law by employees may result in discipline up to, and including, termination.  Violation of the copyright law by students may result in discipline, up to and including, suspension or expulsion. 

Parents or others who wish to record, by any means, school programs or other activities need to realize that even though the school district received permission to perform a copyrighted work does not mean outsiders can copy it and re-play it.  Those who wish to do so should contact the employee in charge of the activity to determine what the process is to ensure the copyright law is followed.  The school district is not responsible for outsiders violating the copyright law or this policy.

Any employee or student who is uncertain as to whether reproducing or using copyrighted material complies with the school district's procedures or is permissible under the law should contact the principal and/or teacher-librarian who will also assist employees and students in obtaining proper authorization to copy or use protected material when such authorization is required. 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent and/or designee, in conjunction with the principal, and/or teacher-librarian, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Approval/Revision
June 2008
October 2011
September 2017