617 - Basic Instructional Program
617 - Basic Instructional ProgramEDUCATIONAL 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
617.1 Postsecondary Education Counseling
617.1 Postsecondary Education Counseling
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Series 600
Policy Title: Postsecondary Education Counseling
Code No.: 617.1
The district believes in the importance of education to shape the lives of all students. Some students may consider postsecondary education and training beyond their secondary education, and have questions related to the cost of education programs and the future employability of graduates. It is valuable for students who express an interest in postsecondary education to make informed decisions related to their future options.
The district will ensure that students in grades eleven and twelve who express interest in postsecondary education will be provided with basic information to assist in their decision-making. This information includes but may not be limited to:
- a link to the annual report published by the State Board of Regents pursuant to Iowa Code 262.9(38); and
- a link to the Iowa Student Outcomes internet site maintained by the Department of Education.
If the district employs a college and career transition counselor, this staff member will provide the information to interested students. If the district does not employ this type of counselor, the superintendent will designate a staff member to ensure this information is provided to interested students.
Date of Approval/Review/Revision
August 2024