Code No. 600 Curriculum

Code No. 600 Statement of Guiding Principles

The Board of Directors recognizes its obligation and duty to provide an educational program equally available to all young people of the school district.  The Board of Directors believes that all children should have the opportunity to be educated to the full extent of their abilities, aptitudes, capabilities, and interests through a program that recognizes and provides for the individual differences of all children of the school district.  Innovation and change, based upon thorough research, study, deliberation, and evaluation shall be encouraged.

The curriculum content and instructional materials utilized shall reflect the diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles, and life styles in our society.  The curriculum should foster respect and appreciation for the diversity found in our country and an awareness of the contributions that members of various minorities have contributed to the overall growth and development of the United States.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

Code No. 601 School Calendar

The school calendar shall accommodate the education program of the school district. The school calendar shall be for a minimum of 1080 hours and include, but not be limited to, the hours for student instruction, staff development, in-service days, and teacher conferences.  Each year the minimum school calendar may include up to 5 days or 30 hours of instruction delivered primarily over the internet.The academic school year for students shall be for a minimum of one-thousand eighty hours in the school calendar. The academic school year for students may not begin prior to August 23rd.  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 30 hours of instruction after the school district requirements for graduation have been met. The board may also excuse graduating seniors from making up hours missed due to inclement weather if the student has met the school district's graduation requirements.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the school calendar for recommendation, approval, and adoption by the board annually.  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 prior to adoption or amendment of the school calendar.

 

Approved: November 25, 2019

Revised/Reviewed: April 22, 2024

Code No. 601.1 School Year

The school year shall accommodate the education program of the school district.  The school calendar shall be for a minimum of one hundred ninety-one (191) days and include, but not be limited to, the days for student instruction, staff development, in-service days and teacher conferences.

The student school year for grades one through twelve may consist of one of the following: (1) a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days with each day having a minimum of six (6) hours of instruction or (2) one thousand eighty hours (1,080) of instruction.  Lunch periods will not count as part of instructional time.  Time during which students are released from school for parent/teacher conferences and passing time will be counted as part of instructional time.

If the school district chooses a minimum one hundred eighty (180) day school year, the school district may also record a day of school with less than the minimum of six (6) hours of instruction if the total hours of instructional time for grades one through twelve for any five consecutive school days equals a minimum of thirty (30) hours, even though any one day of school is less than the minimum instructional hours because of a staff development opportunity provided for the professional instructional staff or because 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 (30) 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.

The academic school year for students may not begin prior to August 23 unless a waiver is obtained from the Iowa Department of Education.  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 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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the school calendar for recommendation, approval, and adoption by the board annually.  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.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 601.2 School Day

The student school day for grades one through twelve shall consist of a minimum of six and one-half 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 the student’s instructional time.  The minimum school day shall 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 students attending kindergarten.  The school day shall 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 (5)  consecutive school days equals a minimum of twenty-seven and one-half (27.5) 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 (4) consecutive days equal at least twenty-seven and one-half (27.5) 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.

When the school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies, that part of the day during which school was in session will constitute a school day.

Schedule revisions and changes in time allotments will be made by the superintendent. 

The superintendent has the authority to determine which continuous remote learning opportunities are appropriate in accordance with the district’s Return to Learn Plan as approved by the Department of Education. The superintendent shall consult with the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Madison County Department of Public Health, Iowa Department of Education and Center for Disease Control guidance, and may take additional precautions to keep staff and students as safe as reasonably possible. Instructional time shall be consistent with the district’s approved Return to Learn plan for students, classrooms, attendance centers or the district as a whole when engaged in a method of continuous remote learning.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to inform the board annually of the length of the school day.  If a parent or guardian of a student notifies the district in writing that the student, student’s immediate family member or primary caretaker has a significant health condition that increases the risk of COVID-19, documented by their doctor, the superintendent shall make reasonable accommodation, on a case-by-case basis, for the student to attend school through remote learning as detailed in the Return to Learn plan.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 601.3 Type of School Organization

The Schools shall be organized into levels of instruction as follows:

          1.     Elementary Schools:  The elementary school shall consist of grades PK-4.

          2.     Middle Schools:  The middle school shall consist of grades 5-8.

          3.     High School:  The senior high school shall consist of grades 9-12.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 602.1 Curriculum Development

Curriculum development is an ongoing process in the school district and consists of both research and design.  Research is the studious inquiry and critical investigation of the various content areas for the purpose of revising and improving curriculum and instruction based on relevant information pertaining to the discipline.  This study is conducted both internally (what and how we are currently doing at the local level) and externally (what national standards, professional organizations, recognized experts, current research, etc. tell us relative to the content area).  Design is the deliberate process of planning and selecting the standards and instructional strategies that will improve the learning experiences for all students.

A systematic approach to curriculum development (careful research, design, and articulation of the curriculum) serves several purposes:

•           Focuses attention on the content standards of each discipline and ensures the identified learnings are rigorous, challenging, and represent the most important learnings for our students.

•           Increases the probability that students will acquire the desired knowledge, skills and dispositions and that our school will be successful in providing appropriate learning experiences.

•           Facilitates communication and coordination.

•           Improves classroom instruction.

The superintendent shall be responsible for curriculum development and for determining the most effective method of conducting research and design activities.  A curriculum framework shall describe the processes and procedures that will be followed in researching, designing, and articulating each curriculum area.

In making recommendations to the board, the superintendent shall propose a framework which will, at a minimum, describe the processes and procedures for the curriculum development activities that will:

•           Study the latest thinking, trends, research, and expert advice regarding the content/discipline;

•           Study the current status of the content/discipline (what and how well students are currently learning);

•           Identify content standards, benchmarks, and grade level expectations for the content/discipline;

•           Describe the desired learning behaviors, teaching, and learning environment related to the content/discipline;

•           Identify differences in the desired and present program and develop a plan for addressing the differences;

•           Communicate with internal and external publics regarding the content area;

•           Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum development decisions;

•           Verify integration of local, state, and/or federal mandates (MCNS, school-to-work, etc.);

•           Verify how the standards and benchmarks of the content/discipline support each of the broader student learning goals and provide a K-12 continuum that builds on the prior learning of each level.

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

 

Approved: September 18, 2000

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

Code No. 602.2 Curriculum Adoption

Curriculum of the district must be approved by the board. The board shall consider the changes to existing curriculum or the introduction of new curriculum that is recommended by the superintendent or by a committee established for the purpose of making a recommendation to the board on curriculum.

The board may authorize the use of curriculum guides when it adopts curriculum. Such guides will be used when, in the opinion of the superintendent, they will be of assistance to the instructional program and will provide a consistent approach in the instructional program.

 

Approved: September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed: February 27, 2023

 

Code No. 602.3 Curriculum Implementation

The school district's curriculum implementation plan shall contain a framework that describes the processes and procedures that will be followed to assist all staff in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement the developed curriculum in each content area.

Implementation refers to what actually happens in practice as compared to what was supposed to happen.  Curriculum implementation includes the provision of organized assistance to staff in order to ensure that the newly developed curriculum and the most powerful instructional strategies are actually delivered at the classroom level.  There are two components of any implementation effort that must be present to guarantee the planned changes in curriculum and instruction succeed as intended: 

•           Understanding the conceptual framework of the content/discipline being implemented; and, 

•           Organized assistance to understand the theory, observe exemplary demonstrations, have opportunities to practice, and receive coaching and feedback focused on the most powerful instructional strategies to deliver the content at the classroom level. 

The superintendent is responsible for curriculum implementation and for determining the most effective way of providing organized assistance and monitoring the level of implementation.  A curriculum framework will describe the processes and procedures that will be followed to assist all staff in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement the developed curriculum in each content area.  This framework will, at a minimum, describe the processes and procedures for the following curriculum implementation activities to: 

•           Study and identify the best instructional practices and materials to deliver the content; 

•           Describe procedures for the purchase of instructional materials and resources;

•           Identify/develop exemplars that demonstrate the learning behaviors, teaching, and learning environment to deliver the content;

•           Study the current status of instruction in the content area (how teachers are teaching); 

•           Compare the desired and present delivery system, identify differences (gap analysis), and develop a plan for addressing the differences; 

•           Organize staff into collaborative study teams to support their learning and implementation efforts (address the gaps); 

•           Provide ongoing professional development related to instructional strategies and materials that focus on theory, demonstration, practice and feedback; 

•           Regularly monitor and assess the level of implementation;  

•           Communicate with internal and external publics regarding curriculum implementation; and

•           Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum implementation decisions.

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

 

Approved:  September 18, 2000

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 602.4 Curriculum Evaluation

Regular evaluation of the total curriculum is necessary to ensure that the intended and enacted curriculum is having the desired effect for students.  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 informs decisions which impact significant and sustainable improvements in teaching and student learning.

The superintendent shall be 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 shall 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 (databased decision making);

•           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 (mandatory for communication about students receiving special education services);

•           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-

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised 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.

 

Approved: September 18, 2000

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

Code No. 602.5 Innovative Curriculum

The board welcomes new ideas in curriculum.  Proposals for pilot or experimental projects shall first be reviewed and analyzed by the superintendent.  Projects recommended by the superintendent 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.

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

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed: February 27, 2023

Code No. 603 Emergency School Closings

The superintendent of schools for the District or the superintendent’s designee shall have the authority to close schools because of extreme weather or other emergency conditions for the length of time the conditions exist. The superintendent shall make provisions to publicly announce such closings via available mass communication media as soon as possible after the decision to close.

Every reasonable effort shall be made to have students attend the total amount of school days or hours annually as specified by statute, state departmental rules, the district’s Return to Learn plan and local school board policy.

 

Approved:  March 28, 2016

Revised/Reviewed: February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.01 Basic Instruction Program

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

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in kindergarten shall be 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 instruction program of students enrolled in grades one through six shall include English-language arts, reading, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, physical education, traffic safety, music, character education and visual art.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades seven and eight shall include English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, family consumer education, career education, technology education, physical education, music, character education and visual art.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve shall include character education, English-language arts (6 units), social studies (5 units), mathematics (6 units), science (5 units), health (1 unit), physical education (2 units), fine arts (3 units), foreign language (4 units), and vocational education (12 units).  Specific courses shall include instruction in the subjects for college preparatory, comprehensive, and vocational training approved annually by the board.

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

Each instruction program shall be 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 instruction program’s plan should describe the program, its goals, the effective materials, the activities and the method for student evaluation.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.02 Summer School Instruction

The school district’s summer school program shall be conducted in such buildings, on such grade levels, for such lengths of time as the board, upon the recommendation of the superintendent, may determine.  The summer school program exists to provide an extension of the school programs and philosophies.  Toward this end the following objectives are strived for throughout the program.  The summer school program shall be designed so that the following purposes or objectives may be met:

  1. Diversity in learning by offering a variety of courses through various methods and innovations designed to broaden student knowledge and understanding;
  2. Enrichment and extension of the program provided during the regular academic year designed to raise individual student achievement;
  3. Remedial work designed to raise individual student achievement consistent with the PASS program.
  4. Driver education.
  5. Special education extended year program.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed: February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.2R1 Positive Alternatives for Scholastic Success (PASS)

T

The philosophy of the Interstate 35 Community School District with regard to social promotion vs. retention is outlined in the following policy.  This policy will assure a student's due process in determining an appropriate educational program when discussing prevention of student retention issues.

The scholastic progress of K-8 students will be closely monitored by teachers.  If a student is not making satisfactory progress in one or more core curriculum subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading), steps will be taken to alert parents of the problem.  Efforts to diagnose the problem and plans which allow opportunity for the student to learn satisfactorily will be instituted.

PASS - Elementary and Middle School

In grades K-8 the prevention of retention process will proceed through the following steps.

Step One:

  1. Teachers will recognize that the student has educational deficiencies by midterm reporting time.
  2. Teachers will document identified concerns.  Teachers will report to parents that the student is failing or dangerously near failing and for what reasons.  Reasons may include:
    1. Grades
    2. participation efforts
    3. attendance
    4. daily work scores
    5. test scores
    6. other concerns
  3. Teachers will make recommendations with appropriate documentation to initiate positive change.

Step Two:

  1. Parents are encouraged to contact the school upon receipt of notification so that a plan of action can be discussed and enacted.
  2. If positive change has not been noted in a two-week period, the PASS process will advance to the next step.

Teacher compensation shall be paid at per diem, consistent with any applicable collective bargaining agreement in place.

Parents will be required to pay $150.00 per child per course prior to beginning the course.  Depending on the number of students in each course, this plan may or may not pay for the teacher.  In most instances, the school board would pay a portion of the total cost.

Completion of summer school does not guarantee passing.  An objective evaluation process would determine student promotion or retention.

If alternatives have not provided necessary change to meet the student's needs, retention will be considered.

Retention decisions will be made cooperatively by the principal, teacher, student, and parents and will be based on a variety of factors to include:

  1. academic skills in reading, math, and language
  2. age
  3. physical development
  4. social development
  5. absence rate and
  6. previous retentions

It is essential that continued emphasis be placed on meeting the special needs of retained students, both during and after the retention year.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed: February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.2R2 Driver Education

At the Interstate 35 Community School District driver education is offered for six weeks during the summer which will start one week after the end of the regular school year.

Students eligible for driver education will be selected upon the basis of oldest first up to the number the instructor(s) can accommodate

A student will be dropped from the course if he/she commits a moving traffic violation on a permit violation while enrolled in driver education.

Thirty-two hours of classroom instruction will be provided at the rate of two hours, three days per week and six or more clock of laboratory instruction of which at least three clock hours shall consist of street or highway driving.  Any student missing more than two hours of classroom instruction, or one driving period, may be dropped from the course.

Students must pass both sections of the program, the classroom and driving.  The lowest grade one may pass with is a “D” in either session.  The instructor will request a driving test by the license examiner for any student receiving a grade of “D” in driving.

Classroom groups will drive from the nearest center in respect to their residence.

A letter will be sent to parents at the completion of the course notifying them of the student’s successful completion or failure of the course.  Also included in the letter will be the total driving time and notes regarding areas the student will need to concentrate extra practice.

A midterm notification will be sent to parents of low achievement when necessary.

 

Approved:       October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.04 Multicultural/Gender-Fair Education

The education program of the Interstate 35 Community School District revolves around a philosophy of equal educational opportunities and non-discrimination in educational programs and activities.  The educational objectives outlined in the Board’s policies are the means whereby the District shall achieve its philosophy.  Students will have an equal opportunity for a quality education without discrimination, regardless of their sex, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age (except for permitting/prohibiting students to engage in certain activities), marital/parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or socioeconomic status.

The education program is free of discrimination and provides equal opportunity for the students.  The education program will foster knowledge of and 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, American Indians, European-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 sexes.

It shall be the responsibility of the various curriculum development committees and the educational equity/equal employment opportunity/affirmative action coordinator to ensure that relevant and responsive educational opportunities are provided to students.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.05 Global Education

Because of our growing interdependence with other nations in the world, global education shall be 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.  Global education, in the education program, is the lifelong growth in understanding, through study and participation, of the world community and the interdependency of its people and systems—social, cultural, racial, economic, linguistic, technological, and ecological.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.06 Citizenship Education

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 shall 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 shall be instructed in the elements of good citizenship and the role quality citizens play in their country, state and school district community.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.07 Continuing Education

The Board of Directors of the district recognizes that the general objectives of continuing educational programs shall be the same as those of other levels of education.  These general objectives include the preparation of individuals for democratic citizenship, providing individuals with means for economic improvement and cultural development, and the enrichment of the personal lives of all the participating individuals.

The continuing educational programs shall be coordinated through the administrative staff of the school district.  The physical facilities of the school district shall be made available for use in these programs when there is no conflict with regular school activities.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.08 Career Education

Preparing students for careers is one goal of the education program.  Career education will be written into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve.  This education shall 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 students’ lives.

The school district, through its educational philosophy and the adoption of instructional goals, provides educational opportunities that will enable every student to develop to their full potential by:

  1. Ensuring that instruction is relevant to real-life concerns of students.
  2. Providing all opportunities to explore the knowledge, skills, technical requirements, working conditions, and political and social environments and responsibilities of the career fields that are open to them.
  3. Providing guidance services adequate to ensure that every student gains expert help in assessing his/her personal interests, aptitudes, and abilities, in making career choices, and in planning an appropriate educational program.
  4. Providing a pre-kindergarten through grade twelve curriculum that incorporates the total concept of career education and will allow all students to prepare for the occupational fields of their choice by acquiring knowledge and skills that will help them to:
    1. obtain entry-level employment in jobs not requiring advance training, and
    2. continue education and training in post-high school institutions or in business and industry.

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

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.09 Physical Education

Students in grades one through twelve shall be 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.  Parents of students requesting such exemption should file a written request that shall include the basis for the request (e.g. verified health concerns and/or a religious conflict) and a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent.  The superintendent shall have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.

Students in grades nine through twelve may also be excused from physical education courses if the student has obtained a physical education waiver for a quarter, semester or trimester because the student is actively involved in an athletic program; or if the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available.  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.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

                                   

Code No. 603.10 Health Education

Students in grade levels one through twelve shall 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; domestic abuse; emotional and social health; health resources; prevention and control of disease; communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases and acquired immune deficiency syndrome; and current crucial health issues.

The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve and maintain physical, emotional and social well-being.  The health/human growth and development instruction shall be research-based, which means that the curriculum is verified or supported by the weight of the research conducted in compliance with accepted scientific professional organizations and agencies with relevant expertise in the field.

The areas stated above shall be included in health education and the instruction shall be adapted at each grade level to aid understanding by the students.  Elementary parents shall be notified annually in written form of the general dates of instruction in human growth and development.

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 written request shall include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent.  The superintendent shall have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.10E1 Human Growth and Development Student Excuse Form

Human Growth and Development Student Excuse Form

Student Name:____________________________________ Grade:____________               

Parent/Guardian:__________________________________ Phone #:___________

Please list the curricular objective(s) from which you wish to have your child excused and the class or grade in which each is taught.  An example is provided for you to follow.

                                    Objective                                            Class/Grade

Ex.                   To understand the consequences of                Health Education/6

                        responsible and irresponsible sexual

                        behavior.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

I have reviewed the Human Growth and Development program goals, objectives, and materials and wish my child to be excused from class when these objectives are taught.  I understand my child will incur no penalty but may/shall be required to complete an alternative assignment that relates to the class and is consistent with assignments required of all students in the class.

Signed:_________________________________________ Date:___________________

                        (Parent or Guardian)

Signed:_________________________________________ Date:___________________

                        (School Administrator)

 

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 603.11 Teaching About Religion

The school district is required to keep the practice of religion out of the school curriculum.  The board recognizes the key role religion has played in the history of the world and authorizes the study of religious history and traditions as part of the curriculum.  Preferential or derogatory treatment of a single religion shall not take place.

The historical and contemporary significance of religious holidays may be included in the program of education provided that such instruction is presented in an unbiased and objective manner; has a secular purpose; is not intended to advance or inhibit religion; is not preferential or derogatory towards any particular religion(s), and does not foster an excessive government entanglement with religion.

The selection of holidays to be recognized or studied shall take into account major celebrations of several world religions, not just those of a single religion.  Holiday-related activities shall be educationally sound and sensitive to religious differences and shall be selected carefully to avoid the excessive or unproductive use of school time.  Teachers shall be especially discriminating in planning activities that are to take place immediately preceding or on a religious holiday.

Music, art, literature, and drama having religious themes (including traditional carols, seasonal songs, and classical music) shall be permitted if presented in an objective manner without sectarian indoctrination.  The emphasis on religious themes shall be only as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study or presentation.  Religious content included in student performances shall be selected on the basis of its independent merit, and shall seek to give exposure to a variety of religious customs, beliefs, and forms of expression.  Holiday programs, parties, or performances shall not become religious celebrations, or be used as a forum for religious workshop, such as the devotional reading of sacred writings or the recitations of prayers.  Student participation in a program or performance which involves personally offensive religious material or expression shall be voluntary.

The use of religious symbols (e.g., a cross, menorah, crescent, Star of David, lotus blossom, nativity scene, or other symbol that is part of a religious ceremony) shall be permitted as a teaching aid, but only when such symbols are used temporarily and objectively to give information about a heritage associated with a particular religion.  The Christmas tree, Santa Claus, Easter eggs, and Easter bunnies are secular, seasonal symbols and as such can be displayed in a seasonal context.

Expressions of belief or non-belief initiated by individual students shall be permitted in composition, art forms, music, speech, and debate.  However, teachers may not require projects or activities which are indoctrinational or force students to contradict their personal religious beliefs or non-beliefs.  In instances where many students might naturally choose to make a religious expression, alternate activities shall be offered.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

 

Code No. 603.12 Teaching Controversial Issues

A “controversial issue” is defined as an area of significant academic inquiry about which substantial segments of the citizens of this community, state, or nation hold sincere, conflicting points of view.

It is the belief of this school board that controversial issues should be fairly presented in a spirit of honest academic freedom.   To that end, individual students may recognize the validity of other points of view.  Students will be encouraged to formulate their own opinions based upon dispassionate, objective, unbiased study and discussion of the factual bases underlying the controversy.

It shall be the responsibility of the instructor to present fully and fairly the opportunity and means for students to study, consider, and discuss all sides of controversial issues.  It shall be the responsibility of the instructor to protect the rights of the student to study pertinent controversial issues within limits of good judgment.  Students will be allowed appropriate expression of their personal opinions without jeopardizing their relationships with their instructors or school.

It shall be the responsibility of the instructor to refrain from advocating partisan causes, sectarian religious views, or selfish propaganda of any kind through any classroom or school device.  However, an instructor shall not be prohibited from expressing a personal opinion as long as the student is encouraged to reach his/her own decision independently.

It shall be the policy of the school board to encourage instructors to lead full discussions in a spirit of academic freedom.  To that end, the student may learn that individuals have the right to disagree with the opinion of another.  Both students and the instructor have the responsibility to base the disagreement upon the facts and at the same time respect the right of another to hold a conflicting opinion.

 

Approved:       October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

Code No. 603.13 Academic Freedom

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 shall be 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.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

Code No. 603.14 Religious-Based Exclusion From a School Program or Activity

Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the superintendent.  The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest.  Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations.

In notifying the superintendent, the parents shall abide by the following:

  • The notice shall be in writing;
  • The objection shall be based on religious beliefs;
  • The objection shall state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;
  • The objection shall state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and
  • The objection shall state a proposed alternate activity or study.

The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest.  Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations.

The superintendent shall have discretion to make this determination.  The factors the superintendent shall consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available superintendent-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded, number of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.

Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs shall be required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

 

Code No. 604.1 Program for Talented and Gifted Students

The board recognizes some students require programming beyond the regular education program.  The board shall identify students with special abilities and provide education programming.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a talented and gifted program which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for training of employees.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

Code No. 604.2 Program for At-Risk Students

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

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for students at-risk which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for the training of employees.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 604.3 Program for Limited English-Proficient Students

An English Learners (“EL”) student is defined as a student whose native language is not English and whose inability or limited ability to speak, understand, read or write English significantly impedes educational progress.

Identification of EL Students

For the purpose of identifying potential EL students, a language survey is to be filled out for each student at the time of initial registration for school.  The survey ascertains the first language acquired by the student, the language most often spoken by the student, and the language spoken in the home.

Assessment of EL Students

A student whose language survey indicates that s/he may have limited English proficiency is assessed specifically for English language proficiency. If the results of the assessment demonstrate inability or limited ability to speak, understand, read, or write English, the school will design a program designed to promote functional ability in English in the preceding skill areas.

Since it is also important for placement decisions to assess content area knowledge, the school will seek this information through previous school records, nonverbal measures, and so on.

The district will also attempt to assess native language proficiency, as indicative of conceptual development for younger children, and degree of literacy for older children.

Student Placement

Students deemed to be Limited English Proficient are to be placed at the grade level of their age group as much as possible in order to facilitate language acquisition and social adaptation. Placement in a language instruction program depends on the age and English proficiency of the student.

Language Instruction Programs

Due to small numbers of students of widely varying language backgrounds and levels of English proficiency, English as a Second Language programs are those commonly chosen to meet the instructional needs of EL students at the district.  Such a program is designed to provide EL students with a functional ability in the English language and an awareness of American cultural patterns.

Program Goals

The major aim of ESL instruction is to develop the skills of EL students so they can function in school and in society at a level comparable to their native English speaking peers. The goals of the program are to:

  1. provide students with English language skills appropriate to their grade level as efficiently and carefully as possible.
  2. orient students to the cultural patterns of American life so they can fully participate in classroom activities and community activities.
  3. develop students' awareness of cultural diversity and encourage pride in their own bilingualism and biculturalism.
  4. enable students to make as much progress as possible in their academic subjects by providing them with supplementary materials, instruction and tutoring.
  5. provide a person in the school environment who understands the growth and development patterns of the learner.

Design a Program

Assessment measures used to determine English proficiency are also used diagnostically, along with any other measures deemed necessary. Based on this diagnosis, a specific program design is selected (pull out, content area English, and so on).

ESL Teacher/Tutor

The teacher in the ESL program must be certified in the state of Iowa.

Reassessment of Student

EL students are reassessed annually in order to determine whether they are ready to exit the program or need continued instructional support. In order to exit the program, the following areas are considered:

  1. teacher observation and assessment
  2. parent reports
  3. student attitudes and behaviors
  4. self-image
  5. cultural pride and adjustment to new culture
  6. awareness of new value system
  7. positive school attitudes
  8. language proficiency assessment instruments
  9. student grade reports
  10. standardized test results

If continued support is needed, diagnosis takes place again, and the program may be modified to meet changing student needs.

Evaluation of Program

The program itself is evaluated at the end of the year by the ESL teacher and the school principal with input from various client groups.

 

Approved: September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

Code No. 604.4 Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution

Students in grades nine through twelve may receive academic or vocational-technical credits that count toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for courses successfully completed in post-secondary educational institutions.  The student may receive academic or vocational-technical credits through an agreement between the district and a post-secondary educational institution or with the board’s approval on a case-by-case basis.

Students in grades nine and ten who the district has identified as talented and gifted students and any students in grades eleven and twelve are eligible to take post-secondary educational courses.  Students are eligible to take post-secondary educational courses if they meet all of the requirements outlined in this policy and as required by the post-secondary educational institution, and if the student has obtained the approval of the Superintendent and/or designee. 

Eligible students who intend to enroll in post-secondary educational courses shall notify the school district during the course scheduling process prior to each semester.  Eligible students wishing to enroll in post-secondary educational courses may need to apply to the post-secondary educational institution.  Students may attend courses at a post-secondary educational institution only after the school district certifies that the student is eligible to attend under this policy.

Students may not enroll in a post-secondary education course if the district offers a comparable course through its curricular program.  For purposes of this policy, comparable course is determined at the discretion of administration and generally means that the content of a course provided to a high school student for post-secondary credit consists of substantially the same concepts and skills as the content of a course provided by the district.

Students in grades nine and ten who are in the talented and gifted program and all students in grades eleven and twelve who successfully complete courses at post-secondary educational institutions under an agreement between the district and the post-secondary educational institution or with the board’s approval shall be reimbursed for tuition and other costs directly related to taking any post-secondary education course during the school year up to $250, except as otherwise outlined in this policy.  The district may, instead of reimbursing the student, directly pay the post-secondary educational institution.

Students in grades nine through twelve who take courses, other than courses taken under an agreement between the school district and the post-secondary educational institution and/or approved by the board, shall be responsible for tuition, transportation to and from the location where the course is being offered, and other costs directly related to taking any post-secondary education course.  The students and/or their parents shall not receive reimbursement for tuition, transportation or other expenses.  Students who take courses during the summer months when school is not in session are responsible for tuition, transportation to and from the location where the course is being offered, and other costs directly related to taking any post-secondary education course.

Eligible students who successfully complete courses in post-secondary educational institutions under an agreement between the school district and the post-secondary educational institution or with the board’s approval may receive academic and vocational-technical credits in accordance with the agreement.  Students who have completed the eleventh grade but who have not completed the graduation requirements set out by the board may take up to seven semester hours of credit at a post-secondary educational institution during the summer months when school is not in session.  Upon successful completion of these summer courses, the students may receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board.

Successful completion of any course at a post-secondary educational institution is determined by the post-secondary educational institution.  The board shall have complete discretion to determine the amount of academic or vocational-technical credit to be awarded to the student for the courses taken during the school year and for the courses taken during the summer.

The following factors shall be considered in the board’s determination of whether a student will receive academic or vocational-technical credit toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for a course at a post-secondary educational institution:

  • the course is taken from a public or accredited private post-secondary educational institution;
  • a comparable course is not offered in the school district.  A comparable course is one in which the subject matter or the purposes and objectives of the course are similar, in the judgment of the board, to a course offered in the school district;
  • the course is in the discipline areas of mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities, vocational-technical education, or a course offered in the community college career options program
  • the course is a credit-bearing course that leads to a degree;
  • the course is not religious or sectarian; and
  • the course meets any other requirements set out by the board.

Should a student fail any course at a post-secondary educational institution and fail to receive credit for any course at a post-secondary educational institution, the student over the age of eighteen or the parent of a student under the age of eighteen shall be responsible for the costs of the course, which may include reimbursing the district for said costs.  Prior to registering for any course at a post-secondary educational institution, students under age eighteen shall have a parent 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 for the course.  Students who fail the course and fail to receive credit for the course for reasons beyond their control, including, but not limited to, the student’s incapacity, death in the family or a move to another district, in the board’s discretion, may not be responsible for the costs of the course.  Students dissatisfied with a school board’s decision regarding the re-payment of the costs of the course shall appeal to the AEA for a waiver of reimbursement.

All courses approved and paid for by the district, and those courses approved by the district and paid for by the student/family will:

  1. Be recorded on the official student transcript, including the letter grade granted by the post-secondary educational institution or the pass-fail indication granted by the post-secondary educational institution.
  2. Be included in figuring class rank, including valedictorian and salutatorian status, and GPA at the  high school.
  3. Be given graduation credit, as determined by the board.  Typically, a three (3) or four (4) semester hour post-secondary course will be awarded one (1) graduation credit.

The superintendent shall be responsible for annually notifying students and parents of the opportunity to take courses at post-secondary educational institutions in accordance with this policy.  The superintendent shall also be responsible for developing the appropriate forms and procedures for implementing this policy.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 604.4R1 Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution Regulations

General Information

Students in grades nine and ten who the district has identified as talented and gifted students and any students in grades eleven and twelve are eligible to take post-secondary educational courses.  Students are eligible to take post-secondary educational courses if they meet all of the requirements outlined in the board’s policy on instruction at post-secondary educational institutions and as required by the post-secondary educational institution, and if the student has obtained the approval of the superintendent. 

Guidelines

The following is a simplified guideline to assist parents and students in utilizing the postsecondary enrollment option.  The entirety of the Iowa law regarding the postsecondary enrollment option and the board’s policy regarding the postsecondary enrollment option still controls all situations involving postsecondary enrollment option.

  1. You must notify the district of your intent to enroll in a postsecondary enrollment course at registration time.  You may do this by indicating your intent to enroll in these courses on the registration forms distributed each year.
  2. You must first complete the district’s Application Form, including obtaining the required signatures, and return it to the guidance office.
  3. All requests for post-secondary enrollment must be approved by the superintendent and/or building principal PRIOR to enrollment.
  4. Upon receiving approval on the district’s Application Form, you should fill out the Notice of Student Registration Form.
  5. To be eligible for post-secondary enrollment, a course must;
    1. Be non-sectarian;
    2. Not be comparable to courses offered here at the district (comparable courses are as determined at the discretion of administration and generally mean that the content of a course provided to a high school student for post-secondary credit consists of substantially the same concepts and skills as the content of a course provided by the district);
    3. Be credit-bearing course that leads to an educational degree;
    4. Be in the disciplines of mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities and vocational-technical education; and
    5. Not disrupt the normal student schedule at the high school, which shall mean not missing all or part of a scheduled class, including PE, or causing the need for an independent study course, or any other special arrangements, etc.
  6. If a course is approved, the district will pay a maximum of $250 per course, and you will not pay for tuition unless you fail to successfully complete the course, as outlined in Board policy.  If a course is not approved, it may be possible for you to take the course at your own expense.  These situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
  7. If a student fails any course at a post-secondary educational institution and fails to receive credit for any course at a post-secondary educational institution, the district is not required to pay for and/or reimburse the student/family for any costs associated with the post-secondary educational course, except as outlined in the district’s policy regarding the post-secondary enrollment option.  If the student fails any course at a post-secondary educational institution and fails to receive credit for any course at a post-secondary educational institution, the student/family may be required to reimburse the district for any costs associated with the post-secondary educational course.
  8. A student may take a course in the summer, but the district is not required to pay for and/or reimburse the student/family for any costs associated with the post-secondary educational course.
  9. Transportation costs for attending a post-secondary educational course are the sole responsibility of the student/family.
  10. All courses approved and paid for by the district, and those courses approved by the district and paid for by the student/family will:
    1. Be recorded on the official student transcript, including the letter grade granted by the post-secondary educational institution or the pass-fail indication granted by the post-secondary educational institution.
    2. Be included in figuring class rank, including valedictorian and salutatorian status, and GPA at the high school.
    3. Be given graduation credit, as determined by the board.  Typically, a three (3) or four (4) semester hour postsecondary course will be awarded one (1) graduation credit at the high school.

If you have any questions, contact the guidance or principal’s office.

 

Approved: September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

Code No. 604.4E1 Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution Student/Parent

Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution  Student/Parent Agreement Form

I, __________________________, am a student at Interstate 35 high school who is participating in the district’s post-secondary enrollment option.  I state that I am aware of and have read the district’s policy on post-secondary enrollment instruction.  I further state that I meet all of the requirements outlined in the district’s policy on post-secondary enrollment.

I, __________________________, am the parent/guardian of _____________________, a student at Interstate 35 high school who is participating in the district’s post-secondary enrollment option.  I state that I am aware of and have read the district’s policy on post-secondary enrollment instruction.  I further state that I meet all of the requirements outlined in the district’s policy on post-secondary enrollment.

By signing below, you state that you are aware of and in agreement with the board’s policy that, if you fail a course taken through concurrent enrollment (at the high school), at any institution with which Interstate 35 Community School District has entered into an agreement and/or for which prior approval has been granted by the district, that prior to graduation you and/or your family will be responsible for repayment to the district for the cost of that course according to the bill from the post-secondary institution.

For _____________ school year, I am agreeing to participate in the following post-secondary educational courses:

Course___________________________________

Course___________________________________

Course___________________________________

Course___________________________________

__________________________________     _________________________________

Student Signature & Date                                             Parent Signature & Date

Please return this to guidance counselor as soon as possible.

 

Approved: September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

 

 

Code No. 605.1 Selection of Instructional Materials

Selection of Instructional Materials

The board recognizes that the selection of instructional materials is a vital component of the school district’s curriculum.

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

The board may appoint an ad hoc committee for the selection of instructional materials.  The committee may be composed of any of the following groups of stakeholders: school district employees, parents, students, community members or representatives of community groups.

All instructional materials are available for review upon request and subject to all applicable laws.

In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, the licensed employees and/or the committee will consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society.  Additionally, the licensed employees and/or the committee are to select instructional materials and textbooks that are free from discrimination, regardless of sex, race and color, national origin, religion and creed, age, marital/parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, or socioeconomic status or familial status.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to report to the board the action taken by the licensed employees and/or the selection committee.

In making its recommendations to the superintendent, the licensed employees and/or the committee 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;
  • offer students opportunities to extend and refine knowledge and use knowledge in meaningful ways; 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 shall 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 regarding gifts, grants or bequests.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  December 18, 2023

Code No. 605.1R1 Selection of Instructional Materials Regulations

  1. Responsibility for Selection of Instructional Materials
    1. The board is responsible for matters relating to the operation of the Interstate 35 Community School District.
    2. The responsibility for the selection of instructional materials is delegated to the professionally trained and licensed employees of the school system.  For the purpose of this rule the term “instructional materials” includes printed and audiovisual materials (not equipment), whether considered text materials or media center materials.  The board retains the final authority for the approval of textbooks.
    3. While selection of materials may involve many people including principals, teachers, students, parents, community members and media specialists, the responsibility for coordinating the selection of most instructional materials and making the recommendation for the purchase rests with licensed employees.  For the purpose of this rule the term “media specialist” includes librarians, school media specialists or other appropriately licensed persons responsible for the selection of media equipment and materials.
    4. Responsibility for coordinating the selection of text materials for distribution to classes will rest with the licensed employees, principal and superintendent.  For the purpose of this rule the term “text materials” includes textbooks and other printed and non-printed material provided in multiple copies for use of a total class or major segment of a class.
    5. If the board appoints an ad hoc committee to make recommendations on the selection of instructional materials, the ad hoc committee shall be formed and appointed in compliance with the board policy on ad hoc committees.
      1. The superintendent will inform the committee as to their role and responsibility in the process.
      2. The following statement shall be given to the ad hoc committee members:
        1. Bear in mind the principles of the freedom to learn and to read and base your decision on these broad principles rather than on defense of individual materials.  Freedom of inquiry is vital to education in a democracy.
        2. Study thoroughly all materials referred to you and read available reviews.  The general acceptance of the materials should be checked by consulting standard evaluation aids and local holdings in other schools.
        3. Passages or parts should not be pulled out of context.  The values and faults should be weighed against each other and the opinions based on the material as a whole.
        4. In the event material is challenged, your report, presenting both majority and minority opinions, will be presented by the principal to the complainant at the conclusion of our discussion of the questioned material.
  2. Material selected for use in libraries and classrooms shall meet the following guidelines:
    1. Religion - Material shall represent the major religions in a factual, unbiased manner.  The primary source material of the major religions shall be considered appropriate, but material which advocates rather than informs, or is designed to sway reader judgment regarding religion, shall not be included in the school libraries or classrooms.
    2. Racism - Material shall present a diversity of race, custom, culture, and belief as a positive aspect of the nation’s heritage and give candid treatment to unresolved intercultural problems, including those which involve prejudice, discrimination, and the undesirable consequences of withholding rights, freedom, or respect of an individual.  Required material will comply with applicable laws.
    3. Sexism - Material shall reflect a sensitivity to the needs, rights, traits and aspirations of men and women without preference or bias.   Required material will comply with applicable laws.
    4. Age - Material shall recognize the diverse contributions of various age groups and portray the continuing contributions of maturing members of society.
    5. Ideology - Material shall present basic primary and factual information on an ideology or philosophy of government which exerts or has exerted a strong force, either favorably or unfavorably, over civilization or society, past or present.  This material shall not be selected with the intention to sway reader judgment and shall be related to the maturity level of the intended audience.
    6. Profanity and Sex - Material shall be subjected to a test of literary merit and reality by the media specialists and licensed staff who will take into consideration their reading of public and community standards of morality.
    7. Controversial issues materials will be directed toward maintaining a balanced collection representing various views.

The selection decision should be made on the basis of whether the material presents an accurate representation of society and culture, whether the circumstances depicted are realistically portrayed, or whether the material has literary or social value when the material is viewed as a whole.

These guidelines shall not be construed in such a manner as to preclude materials which accurately represent the customs, morals, manners, culture, or society of a different time or a different place.

  1. Procedure for Selection
    1. Material purchased for libraries and classrooms shall be recommended for purchase by licensed employees, in consultation with administrative staff, media center staff, students or an ad hoc committee as appointed by the board.  The material recommended for purchase shall be approved by the appropriate building administrator.
      1. The materials selected shall support stated objectives and goals of the school district.  Specifically, the goals are:
        1. To acquire materials and provide service consistent with the demands of the curriculum;
        2. To develop students’ skills and resourcefulness in the use of libraries and learning resources;
        3. To effectively guide and counsel students in the selection and use of materials and libraries;
        4. To foster in students a wide range of significant interests;
        5. To provide opportunities for aesthetic experiences and development of an appreciation of the fine arts;
        6. To provide materials to motivate students to examine their own attitudes and behaviors and to comprehend their own duties and responsibilities as citizens in a pluralistic democracy;
        7. To encourage life-long education through the use of the library; and,
        8. To work cooperatively and constructively with the instructional and administrative staff in the school.
      2. Materials selected shall be consistent with stated principles of selection.  These principles are:
        1. To select material, within established standards that will meet the goals and objectives of the school district;
        2. To consider the educational characteristics of the community in the selection of materials within a given category;
        3. To present the racial, religious and ethnic groups in the community by:
          1. Portraying people, both men and women, adults and children, whatever their ethnic, religious or social class identity, as human and recognizable, displaying a familiar range of emotions, both negative and positive.
          2. Placing no constraints on individual aspirations and opportunity.
          3. Giving comprehensive, accurate, and balanced representation (ex. minority groups) - in art and science, history and literature, and in all other fields of life and culture.
        4. To intelligently, quickly, and effectively anticipate and meet needs through awareness of subjects of local, national and international interest and significance; and,       
        5. To strive for impartiality in the selection process.
      3. The materials selected shall meet stated selection criteria.  These criteria are:
        1. Authority-Author’s qualifications - education, experience, and previously published works;
        2. Reliability:
          1. Accuracy-meaningful organization and emphasis on content, meets the material’s goals and objectives, and presents authoritative and realistic factual material.
          2. Current-presentation of content which is consistent with the finding of recent and authoritative research.
        3. Treatment of subject-shows an objective reflection for the multi-ethnic character and cultural diversity of society.
        4. Language:
          1. Vocabulary:
            1. Does not indicate bias by the use of words which may result in negative value judgments about groups of people;
            2. Does not use “man” or similar limiting word usage in generalization or ambiguities which may cause others to feel excluded or dehumanized.
          2. Compatible to the reading level of the student for whom it is intended.
        5. Format:
          1. Book
            1. Adequate and accurate index;
            2. Paper of good quality and color;
            3. Print adequate and well-spaced;
            4. Adequate margins;
            5. Firmly bound; and,
            6. Cost.
          2. Non-book
            1. Flexibility, adaptability;
            2. Curricular orientation of significant interest to students;
            3. Appropriate for audience;
            4. Accurate authoritative presentation;
            5. Good production qualities (fidelity, aesthetically adequate);
            6. Durability; and,
            7. Cost.
          3. Illustrations of book and non-book materials should:
            1. Depict instances of fully integrated grouping and settings to indicate equal status and non-segregated social relationships.
            2. Make clearly apparent the identity of minorities;
            3. Contain pertinent and effective illustrations;
          4. Flexible to enable the teacher to use parts at a time and not follow a comprehensive instructional program on a rigid frame of reference.
        6. Special Features:
          1. Bibliographies.
          2. Glossary.
          3. Current charts, maps, etc.
          4. Visual aids.
          5. Index.
          6. Special activities to stimulate and challenge students.
          7. Provide a variety of learning skills.
        7. Potential use:
          1. Will it meet the requirement of reference work?
          2. Will it help students with personal problems and adjustments?
          3. Will it serve as a source of information for teachers and librarians?
          4. Does it offer an understanding of cultures other than the student’s own and is it free of racial, religious, age, disability, ethnic, and sexual stereotypes?
          5. Will it expand students’ sphere of understanding and help them to understand the ideas and beliefs of others?
          6. Will it help students and teachers keep abreast of and understand current events?
          7. Will it foster and develop hobbies and special interest?
          8. Will it help develop aesthetic tastes and appreciation?
          9. Will it serve the needs of students with special problems?
          10. Does it inspire learning?
          11. Is it relevant to the subject?
          12. Will it stimulate a student’s interest?
      4. Gifts of library or instructional materials may be accepted if the gift meets existing criteria for library and instructional materials.  The acceptance and placement of such gifts shall be within the discretion of the board.
      5. In order to provide a current, highly usable collection of materials, media specialists shall provide for constant and continuing renewal of the collection, not only the addition of up-to-date materials, but by the judicious elimination of materials which no longer meet school district needs or find use.  The process of weeding instructional materials will be done according to established and accepted standards for determining the relevance and value of materials in a given context

 

Approved: October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  December 18, 2023

Code No. 605.1R2 Determining Age Appropriate Materials

Purpose:  The purpose of this document is to provide administrators and staff with guidance and procedures that will be used as we work to comply with the changes in Iowa Code as outlined in SF 496. Specifically the fact that a school district “cannot provide ANY curriculum, program, survey, material, activity, announcement or materials relating to gender identity or sexual activity to students in grades K-6” and the fact that the districts library program is designed to “support the student achievement goals of the total school curriculum” where the content of the library must be “only age-appropriate materials” and contain NO depiction of sex acts as defined by Iowa Code 702.17.

Determining what curriculum and library books meet the definition of the law could be challenging as what is “age appropriate” isn’t clearly defined for us. In an effort to support staff and administrators in making these decisions we are proposing the following guidelines/procedures. The information below is meant to serve as a guide and there will be situations that will arise that we haven’t thought about; however, we believe that this guide can still provide a place for us to start the discussion in each situation.

Procedures for Determining Age-Appropriate Curriculum & Library Books:

Scenario 1: Book/Curriculum Clearly Violates Iowa Code 702.17 and SF 496

  1. Staff member (principal, librarian, teacher) determines the content of the book or curriculum violates the law.
  2. Book is pulled from circulation and placed in storage or curriculum material is pulled and turned into the curriculum director.
  3. The following document contains a list of titles that have been pulled from the library for this reason.  Books Removed due to SF 496

Scenario 2: Staff Member Believes that a Book/Curriculum is “Questionable” With Regards to Violating Iowa Code 702.17 and SF 496

  1. A staff member encounters a book or curricular material that they question as to whether or not it violates the law or intent of the law.
  2. The staff member should share the book/curricular material with the librarian for a second opinion.
  3. The librarian will review the book/material and based on their interpretation determine whether or not it violates the law or the intent of the law.
  4. Consideration will be given to the following:
    1. Is this “age-appropriate” and contain NO depiction of sex acts as defined by Iowa Code 702.17?
    2. Is the amount of questionable content within the text or material age appropriate? 
    3. The necessity of the questionable content in relation to the overall narrative of the story.
    4. Alignment to content area, standards/curriculum
    5. Potential benefit of the material versus the potential negative consequences
  5. The district will work to make a decision on the book within a reasonable time frame with the hope of making a decision within 5-10 school days. 

Scenario 3:  A Parent/Student Believes that a Book/Curriculum is Questionable In Regards to Violating Iowa Code 702.17 and SF 496

  1. A parent or student brings a concern to the librarian, teacher, principal, or curriculum director regarding the content of a book or curricular material believing that it violates the law or intent of the law. 
  2. The staff member who is made aware of the concern will review the material with the librarian to determine if the concern is warranted based on their interpretation of the law.
  3. Consideration will be given to the following:
    1. Is this “age-appropriate” and contain NO depiction of sex acts as defined by Iowa Code 702.17?
    2. Is the amount of questionable content within the text or material age appropriate? 
    3. The necessity of the questionable content in relation to the overall narrative of the story.
    4. Alignment to content area, standards/curriculum
    5. Potential benefit of the material versus the potential negative consequences
  4. The district will work to make a decision on the book within a reasonable time frame with the hope of making a decision within 5-10 school days. 
  5. If it is determined that the material violates the law or intent of the law the book/curricular material will be removed from circulation. 
  6. If the librarian does not determine that the library book or curricular material violates the law or intent of the law the book/curricular material will remain in circulation and be available to students.
  7. If the parent or student disagrees with the decision, they may formally request that the book/curricular material be removed by going through the reconsideration process as outlined in board policy. 

 

Approved: December 18, 2023

Code No. 605.2 Inspection of Instructional Materials

Parents and other members of the school district community may view the instructional materials used by the students.  All instructional materials, including teacher’s manuals, and 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.  The district will publish on the district’s website a comprehensive list of all books available to students in libraries operated by the district.

The instructional materials must be viewed on school district premises.  Copies may be obtained according to board policy.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  December 18, 2023

Code No. 605.3 Objection to Instructional Materials

Members of the school district community may object to the instructional materials utilized in the school district and ask for their use to be reconsidered.  Information related to the process for reconsideration of instructional and library 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 material or check out certain library materialsFor 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. 

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:   December 18, 2023

 

 

Code No. 605.3R1 Objection to and Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Regulation

Objection to and Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Regulation

  1. Objection
    1. A resident of the school district may raise an objection to instructional materials used in the school district’s education program despite the fact that the individuals selecting 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 school official or employee receiving a complaint regarding instructional materials shall try to resolve the issue informally.  The materials shall remain in use pending the outcome of the reconsideration procedure.
        1. The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint, shall explain to the individual the board’s selection procedure, criteria to be met by the instructional materials, and qualifications of those persons selecting the material.
        2. The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint shall 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 media specialist who can identify and explain the use of the material.
      2. The employee receiving the initial complaint shall advise the building principal of the initial contact no later than the end of the school day following the discussion with the individual, whether or not the individual has been satisfied by the initial contact.  A written record of the contact shall be maintained by the principal in charge of the attendance center.  Each building principal shall inform employees of their obligation to report complaints.
      3. In the event the individual making an objection to instructional materials is not satisfied with the initial explanation, the individual shall be referred to the principal or to the media specialist of the attendance center.  If, after consultation with the principal or media specialist, the individual desires to file a formal complaint, the principal or media specialist will assist in filling out a Reconsideration Request Form in full and filing it with the superintendent.
  2. Request for Reconsideration
    1. A resident of the school district may formally challenge instructional 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 Reconsideration Request Forms. The forms will also be available on the District website.   Formal objections to instructional materials must be made on this form.  School 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 will be taken. 

The district will keep all notes and documentation as is available even if the complaint is deemed invalid.

  1. The individual shall state the specific reason the instructional material and library materials are being challenged.  The Reconsideration Request Form shall be signed by the individual and filed with the superintendent.
  2. The superintendent shall promptly file the objection with the reconsideration committee for re-evaluation.  The superintendent will convene a reconsideration committee within two weeks of receipt of the Reconsideration Form.
  3. Generally, access to challenged instructional material and instructional materials shall 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.
  4. The Reconsideration Committee
    1. The reconsideration committee shall be made up of eight members.
      1. One licensed employee designated annually by the superintendent.
      2. One media specialist designated annually by the superintendent.
      3. One member of the administrative team designated annually by the superintendent.
      4. Three members of the community appointed annually by the board.
    2. The committee shall annually select their chairperson and secretary.
    3. The committee shall 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.  Temporary removal shall require a two-thirds vote of the committee.
    5. Notice of committee meetings shall be made public through appropriate publications and other communications methods.  The committee may be subject to applicable open meetings and public records laws.  Notice of the committee meeting is made public through appropriate communication methods as required by law.
    6. The committee shall receive the completed Reconsideration Request Form from the superintendent.
    7. The committee shall determine its agenda for the first meeting which may include the following:
      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.
    8. The committee may review the selection process for the challenged instructional material and may, to its satisfaction, determine that the challenge is without merit and dismiss the challenge.  The committee will notify the individual and the superintendent of its action.
    9. At a subsequent meeting, if held, 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.
    10. The individual filing the challenge shall be kept informed by the reconsideration committee secretary or the Superintendent on the status of the Reconsideration Request Form throughout the reconsideration process.  The individual filing the challenge and known interested parties shall be given appropriate notice of meetings.
    11. At the second or a subsequent meeting the committee will make its final recommendation.  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 shall be forwarded to the board, the individual and the appropriate attendance centers.  The superintendent may also make a recommendation but if so, it should be independent from the committee’s.

Following the board’s decision with respect to the committee’s recommendation, the individual or the chairperson of the reconsideration committee may appeal the decision to the board for review.  Such appeal must be presented to the superintendent in writing within five days following the announcement of the superintendent’s decision.  The board will promptly determine whether to hear the appeal.

  1. A recommendation to sustain a challenge shall not be interpreted as a judgment of irresponsibility on the part of the individuals involved in the original selection or use of the material.
  2. 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.  Completed and filed Reconsideration Request Forms shall be acted upon by the committee.
  3. If necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the committee, the committee may appoint a subcommittee of members or nonmembers to consolidate challenges and to make recommendations to the full committee.  The composition of this subcommittee shall approximate the representation of the full committee.
  4. Committee members directly associated with the selection, use, or challenger of the challenged material shall be excused from the committee during the deliberation of the challenged instructional materials.  The superintendent may appoint a temporary replacement for the excused committee member, but the replacement shall be of the same general qualifications as the member excused.
  5. Persons dissatisfied with the decision of the board may appeal to the Iowa Board of Education pursuant to state law

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:   December 18, 2023

Code No. 605.3E1 Instructions to the Reconsideration Committee

Instructions to the Reconsideration Committee

The policy of this school district related to selection of learning materials states that any resident of the district may formally challenge instructional 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 own opinions known.  The task of the reconsideration committee is to provide an open forum for discussion of challenged materials and 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 community members.  The community should not, therefore, infer that the Committee is biased or is obligated to uphold prior professional decisions.  For this same reason, a community member will be selected to chair the committee.

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 disagreement.  However, 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.

If the complainant chooses, the complainant may make an oral presentation to the committee to expand and elaborate on the complaint.  The committee will listen to the complaint, 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.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  December 18, 2023

Code No. 605.3E2 Reconsideration Request Form

Reconsideration Request Form

Request for re-evaluation of instructional material to be submitted to the superintendent.

REVIEW INITIATED BY:                                                         DATE:_______________ ____

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________

City/State  __________________________  Zip Code  ___________ Telephone ___________

 School(s) in which item is used ___________________________________________________

Relationship to school (parent, student, citizen, etc.)  __________________________________

BOOK OR OTHER PRINTED MATERIAL (IF APPLICABLE):

Author _____________________________  Hardcover _____  Paperback ______ Other ______

Title  _________________________________________________________________________

Publisher (if known) ____________________________________________________________

Date of Publication _____________________________________________________________

MULTIMEDIA MATERIAL (IF APPLICABLE):

Title  _________________________________________________________________________

Producer (if known) _____________________________________________________________

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

PERSON MAKING THE REQUEST REPRESENTS: (circle one)

Self                  Group or Organization

Name of Group or Organization  _______________________________________

Address of Group or Organization ______________________________________

1.         What brought this item to your attention?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2.         To what in the item do you object?  (please be specific; cite pages, or frames, etc.)

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3.         In your opinion, what harmful effects upon students might result from use of this item?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4.         Do you perceive any instructional value in the use of this item?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

 5.        Did you review the entire item?  If not, what sections did you review?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

6.         Should the opinion of any additional experts in the field be considered?

Yes _______________                       No ______________

If yes, please list specific suggestions: ________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

7.         To replace this item, do you recommend other material which you consider to be of equal or superior quality for the purpose intended?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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  _______________

 

__________________________________________            ________________________

Signature                                                                                 Dated

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  December 18, 2023

Code No. 605.3E3 Sample Letter to Individual Challenging Instructional Materials

 

Sample Letter to Individual Challenging Instructional 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.         Selection of Instructional Materials policy statement, and

            3.         Procedure for reconsideration of instructional 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,

 

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  December 18, 2023

 

Code No. 605.4 Technology and Instructional Materials

The board supports the use of innovative methods and the use of technology in the delivery of the education program.  The board encourages employees to investigate economical ways to utilize multimedia, computers, and other technologies as a part of the curriculum.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent (or superintendent designee) to develop a plan for the use of technology in the curriculum and to evaluate it annually. 

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

 

Code No. 605.5 Media Centers

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

Materials for the libraries 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 libraries.  The access will be displayed on the school district’s website.  Any challenges to library materials will be handled following the process for handling challenges to instructional and library materials as published in board policy.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal of the building in which the 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 library and instructional materials, for the acceptance of gifts, and for the weeding of library and instructional materials.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  December 18, 2023

Code No. 605.6 Use of Information Resources

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, assistant principal 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 to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

Approved:  September 17, 2012

Revised/Reviewed:   February 27, 2023

605.6R1 Use of Information Resources Regulations

Employees and students may make copies of copyrighted materials that fall within the following guidelines.  Where there is reason to believe the material to be copied does not fall within these guidelines, prior permission shall be obtained from the publisher or producer with the assistance of the librarian.  Employees and students who fail to follow this procedure may be held personally liable for copyright infringement and may be subject to discipline by the Board.

Under the “fair use” doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research. Under the fair use doctrine, each of the following four standards must be met in order to use the copyrighted document:

  • Purpose and Character of the Use - The use must be for such purposes as teaching or scholarship.
  • Nature of the Copyrighted Work - The type of work to be copied.
  • Amount and Substantiality of the Portion Used - Copying the whole of a work cannot be considered fair use; copying a small portion may be if these guidelines are followed.
  • Effect of the Use Upon the Potential Market for or value of the Copyrighted Work - If resulting economic loss to the copyright holder can be shown, even making a single copy of certain materials may be an infringement, and making multiple copies presents the danger of greater penalties.

Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Material Reminders

  • Materials on the Internet should be used with caution since they may, and likely are, copyrighted.
  • Proper attribution (author, title, publisher, place and date of publication) should always be given.
  • Notice should be taken of any alterations to copyrighted works, and such alterations should only be made for specific instructional objectives.
  • Care should be taken in circumventing any technological protection measures. While materials copied pursuant to fair use may be copied after circumventing technological protections against unauthorized copying, technological protection measures to block access to materials may not be circumvented.

In preparing for instruction, a teacher may make or have made a single copy of:

  • A chapter from a book;
  • An article from a newspaper or periodical;
  • A short story, short essay or short poem; or,
  • A chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon or picture from a book, periodical or newspaper.

A teacher may make multiple copies not exceeding more than one per pupil, for classroom use or discussion, if the copying meets the tests of “brevity, spontaneity and cumulative effect" set by the following guidelines. Each copy must include a notice of copyright.

  • Brevity
    • A complete poem, if less than 250 words and two pages long, may be copied: excerpts from longer poems cannot exceed 250 words;
    • Complete articles, stories or essays of less than 2500 words or excerpts from prose works less than 1000 words or 10% of the work, whichever is less may be copied; in any event, the minimum is 500 words;
    • Each numerical limit may be expanded to permit the completion of an unfinished line of a poem or prose paragraph;
    • One chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon or picture per book or periodical issue may be copied. "Special" works cannot be reproduced in full; this includes children's books combining poetry, prose or poetic prose. Short special works may be copied up to two published pages containing not more than 10 percent of the work.
  • Spontaneity - Should be at the "instance and inspiration" of the individual teacher when there is not a reasonable length of time to request and receive permission to copy.
  • Cumulative Effect - Teachers are limited to using copied material for only one course for which copies are made. No more than one short poem, article, story or two excerpts from the same author may be copied, and no more than three works can be copied from a collective work or periodical column during one class term. Teachers are limited to nine instances of multiple copying for one course during one class term. Limitations do not apply to current news periodicals, newspapers and current news sections of other periodicals.

Copying Limitations

Circumstances will arise when employees are uncertain whether or not copying is prohibited. In those circumstances, the librarian should be contacted. The following prohibitions have been expressly stated in federal guidelines:

  • Reproduction of copyrighted material shall not be used to create or substitute for anthologies, compilations or collective works.
  • Unless expressly permitted by agreement with the publisher and authorized by school district action, there shall be no copying from copyrighted consumable materials such as workbooks, exercises, test booklets, answer sheets and the like.
  • Employees shall not:
    • Use copies to substitute for the purchase of books, periodicals, music recordings, consumable works such as workbooks, computer software or other copyrighted material. Copy or use the same item from term to term without the copyright owner's permission;
    • Copy or use more than nine instances of multiple copying of protected material in anyone term;
    • Copy or use more than one short work or two excerpts from works of the same author in any one term;
    • Copy or use protected material without including a notice of copyright. The following is a satisfactory notice: NOTICE: THIS MATERIAL MAY BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW.
    • Reproduce or use copyrighted material at the direction of someone in higher authority or copy or use such material in emulation of some other teacher's use of copyrighted material without permission of the copyright owner.
    • Require other employees or students to violate the copyright law or fair use guidelines.

Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Materials in the Library

A library may make a single copy or three digital copies of:

  • An unpublished work in its collection;
  • A published work in order to replace it because it is damaged, deteriorated, lost or stolen, provided that an unused replacement cannot be obtained at a fair price.
  • A work that is being considered for acquisition, although use is strictly limited to that decision. Technological protection measures may be circumvented for purposes of copying materials in order to make an acquisition decision.

A library may provide a single copy of copyrighted material to a student or employee at no more than the actual cost of photocopying.  The copy must be limited to one article of a periodical issue or a small part of other material, unless the library finds that the copyrighted work cannot be obtained elsewhere at a fair price.  In the latter circumstance, the entire work may be copied.  In any case, the copy shall contain the notice of copyright and the student or staff member shall be notified that the copy is to be used only for private study, scholarship or research.  Any other use may subject the person to liability for copyright infringement.

Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Music or Dramatic Works

Teachers may:

  • Make a single copy of a song, movement, or short section from a printed musical or dramatic work that is unavailable except in a larger work for purposes of preparing for instruction;
  • Make multiple copies for classroom use of an excerpt of not more than 10% of a printed musical work if it is to be used for academic purposes other than performance, provided that the excerpt does not comprise a part of the whole musical work which would constitute a performable unit such as a complete section, movement, or song;
  • In an emergency, a teacher may make and use replacement copies of printed music for an imminent musical performance when the purchased copies have been lost, destroyed or are otherwise not available,
  • Make and retain a single recording of student performances of copyrighted material when it is made for purposes of evaluation or rehearsal;
  • Make and retain a single copy of excerpts from recordings of copyrighted musical works for use as aural exercises or examination questions; and,
  • Edit or simplify purchased copies of music or plays provided that the fundamental character of the work is not distorted. Lyrics shall not be altered or added if none exist.

Performance by teachers or students of copyrighted musical or dramatic works is permitted without the authorization of the copyright owner as part of a teaching activity in a classroom or instructional setting.  The purpose shall be instructional rather than for entertainment.

Performances of non-dramatic musical works that are copyrighted are permitted without the authorization of the copyright owner, provided that:

  • The performance is not for a commercial purpose;
  • None of the performers, promoters or organizers are compensated; and,
  • Admission fees are used for educational or charitable purposes only.

All other musical and dramatic performances require permission from the copyright owner.  Parents or others wishing to record a performance should check with the sponsor to ensure compliance with copyright.

Recording of Copyrighted Programs

Television programs, excluding news programs, transmitted by commercial and non-commercial television stations for reception by the general public without charge may be recorded off-air simultaneously with broadcast transmission (including simultaneous cable retransmission) and retained by a school for a period not to exceed the first forty-five (45) consecutive calendar days after date of recording.  Upon conclusion of this retention period, all off-air recordings must be erased or destroyed immediately.  Certain programming such as that provided on public television may be exempt from this provision; check with the librarian or the subscription database, e.g. united streaming.

 Off-air recording may be used once by individual teachers in the course of instructional activities, and repeated once only when reinforcement is necessary, within a building, during the first 10 consecutive school days, excluding scheduled interruptions, in the 45 calendar day retention period.  Off-air recordings may be made only at the request of and used by individual teachers and may not be regularly recorded in anticipation of requests.  No broadcast program may be recorded off-air more than once at the request of the same teacher, regardless of the number of times the program may be broadcast.  A limited number of copies may be reproduced from each off-air recording to meet the legitimate needs of teachers.  Each additional copy shall be subject to all provisions governing the original recording.

After the first ten (10) consecutive school days, off-air recordings may be used up to the end of the 45 calendar day retention period only for evaluation purposes, i.e., to determine whether or not to include the broadcast program in the teaching curriculum.  Permission must be secured from the publisher before the recording can be used for instructional purposes after the ten day period.

Off-air recordings need not be used in their entirety, but the recorded programs may not be altered from their original content.  Off-air recordings may not be physically or electronically combined or merged to constitute teaching anthologies or compilations.  All copies of off-air recordings must include the copyright notice on the broadcast program as recorded.

Authorized Reproduction and Use of Copyrighted Computer Software

Schools have a valid need for high-quality software at reasonable prices.  To assure a fair return to the authors of software programs, the school district shall support the legal and ethical issues involved in copyright laws and any usage agreements that are incorporated into the acquisition of software programs.  To this end, the following guidelines shall be in effect:

  • All copyright laws and publisher license agreements between the vendor and the school district shall be observed;
  • Staff members shall take reasonable precautions to prevent copying or the use of unauthorized copies on school equipment;
  • A back-up copy shall be purchased, for use as a replacement when a program is lost or damaged. If the vendor is not able to supply a replacement, the school district shall make a back-up copy that will be used for replacement purposes only;
  • A copy of the software license agreement shall be retained by the technology director or librarian; and,
  • A computer program may be adapted by adding to the content or changing the language. The adapted program may not be distributed.

Fair Use Guidelines for Educational Multimedia

Students may incorporate portions of copyrighted materials in producing educational multimedia projects such as videos, Power Points, podcasts and web sites for a specific course, and may perform, display or retain the projects.

Educators may perform or display their own multimedia ­based instructional activities. These projects may be used:

  • In face-to-face instruction;
  • In demonstrations and presentations, including conferences;
  • In assignments to students;
  • For remote instruction if distribution of the signal is limited;
  • Over a network that cannot prevent duplication for fifteen days, after fifteen days a copy may be saved on-site only: or,
  • In their personal portfolios.

Educators may use copyrighted materials in a multimedia project for two years, after that permission must be requested and received.

The following limitations restrict the portion of any given work that may be used pursuant to fair use in an educational multimedia project:

  • Motion media: ten percent or three minutes, whichever is less;
  • Text materials: ten percent or 1,000 words, whichever is less:
  • Poetry: an entire poem of fewer than 250 words, but no more than three poems from one author or five poems from an anthology. For poems of greater than 250 words, excerpts of up to 250 words may be used, but no more than three excerpts from one poet or five excerpts from an anthology:
  • Music, lyrics and music video: Up to ten percent, but no more than thirty seconds. No alterations that change the basic melody or fundamental character of the work;
  • Illustrations, cartoons and photographs: No more than five images by an artist, and no more than ten percent or fifteen images whichever is less from a collective work;
  • Numerical data sets: Up to ten percent or 2,500 field or cell entries, whichever is less;

Fair use does not include posting a student or teacher's work on the Internet if it includes portions of copyrighted materials. Permission to copy shall be obtained from the original copyright holder(s) before such projects are placed online. The opening screen of such presentations shall include notice that permission was granted and materials are restricted from further use.

 

Approved:  September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 605.8 Artificial Intelligence in the Education Environment

The district believes that to adequately prepare modern learners for the future, advances in technology should first be explored within the education environment.  At its most simple, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is automation based on association.  AI tools analyze large amounts of information and detect patterns using that information to draw a conclusion.  The AI tools then improve the conclusions drawn based upon additional data reviewed, patterns found, and prior conclusions drawn.  Generative AI for the education environment has the potential to automate classroom organizational tasks, enhance individualized student learning, teaching, assessment of student learning, and even enhance research and professional development for educators.

However, generative AI tools can be vulnerable to inaccuracy in some significant ways. AI tools can: have bias in how the tools detect patterns; detect patterns/draw conclusions based on inaccurate data; and may not be fully accessible to students to differing abilities.  It is valuable for students to understand the potential uses and limitations of this imperfect technology in an educational environment where AI tools have been carefully selected and are monitored and reviewed within appropriate guidelines.  For this reason, human oversight and decision making must lead the selection, use, and review of AI tools in the education environment.  

Only humans can verify the accuracy of AI tools and apply proper context to any information generated from them. AI tools will never be the sole determining factor used to make decisions related to student learning, assessment, academic integrity, and behavior.  All decisions must be made by appropriate licensed staff and based upon a holistic analysis of available evidence. 

Privacy must be protected when using generative AI tools.  AI draws conclusions based on analysis of data.  No personally identifiable information about other students or staff will be shared with AI tools, without prior written consent from the parent or guardian of the student, or from the student/staff if applicable. Permission must be granted prior to students using open-source AI tools that may share information outside the tool itself, and with any entities outside the control of the privacy terms and conditions of the AI tool.

Use of AI tools by students and staff will be at all times appropriate to the educational environment and subject to all applicable laws, regulations and policies.  This includes but is not limited to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule; as well as district policies on student conduct, copyright protections, student records, personnel records, bullying and harassment, and staff/student expression.

The Superintendent, working in collaboration with relevant staff, will develop regulations necessary to carry out the intent of this policy.

 

Approved:  April 22, 2024

Revised/Reviewed:

Code No. 605.8.R1 Artificial Intelligence in the Education Environment--Regulation

Selection of AI tools

AI tools will be vetted by relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to the district’s IT staff and, when related to student learning or assessment, by the Curriculum Director.  Decisions to use AI tools should be focused on:

  • Protection of students: Any AI tools used in the district must comply with the requirements to safeguard students from accessing material that is obscene, child pornography and harmful to minors. 
  • Privacy:  Personally identifiable information of students will not be shared without necessary written consents.  Further, any AI tools utilized must meet the requirements of the School Official exemption listed in FERPA, and described in policy 712.
  • Accessibility: Is the tool available to students of all abilities?  If not, what comparable alternatives will be offered to ensure an equitable learning environment for all students?
  • Accuracy: To the extent reasonable, the AI tool should be both reliable and unbiased in its pattern recognition, and data used by the tool should be verified for accuracy.
  • Transparent and Interruptible: Student use of AI tools must be able to be monitored by licensed staff to safeguard the appropriateness of the learning experience for the student and monitor for accuracy of the AI tool.  

Academic Integrity

Use of AI in research and graded work by students must include proper source citations.  Copyright protections must be strictly adhered to.  Students who fail to comply with these requirements may face discipline as stated in relevant district policies.

Appropriate Use

Prior to using AI tools, classroom teachers will clearly state how AI tools may be used to engage in and complete educational tasks and assignments.  Classroom teachers will establish appropriate parameters for AI tool usage and will monitor student use of AI tools as appropriate.

Prohibited Uses

Students will not use AI tools to access or create information that is discriminatory, constitutes bullying or harassment, shares confidential or personally identifiable information of others, or access/create material that is harmful to minors, obscene, or child pornography.  Any violation of this regulation will be treated as a violation of relevant district policies and may be subject to loss of access to the AI tool, and further discipline.

 

Approved: April 22, 2024

Revised/Reviewed: 
 

Code No. 606.1 Appropriate Use of District Technology, Network Systems and Internet Access

The board is committed to making available to students and staff members access to a wide range of electronic learning facilities, technology (potentially including, but not limited to, computers, tablets, and hand held devices), equipment and software, network systems, and the internet.  The goal in providing this technology and access is to support the educational objectives and mission of the district and to promote resource sharing, innovation, problem solving, and communication.  The district’s technology, network and/or internet connection is not a public access service or a public forum.  The district has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material accessed and/or posted through the use of its technology, network and/or internet connection, including the use of personal technology brought into the district by students and staff and the ability of students and staff to access the district’s network systems and internet access using personal technology.

The district’s technology, network systems, and internet access shall be available to all students and staff within the district.  However, access is a privilege, not a right.  Each student and staff member must have a signed acceptable use agreement on file prior to having access to and using the district’s technology, network, and the internet.  The amount of time and type of access available for each student and staff member may be limited by the district’s technology and the demands for the use of the district’s technology.  Even if students have not been given access to and/or use of the district’s technology, network, and the internet, they may still be exposed to information from the district’s technology, network, and/or the internet in guided curricular activities at the discretion of their teachers.

Every item of technology in the district having internet access shall not be operated unless internet access from the item of technology is subject to a technology protection measure (i.e. filtering software).  The technology protection measure employed by the district shall be designed and operated with the intent to ensure that students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography, or are otherwise harmful to minors.  The technology protection measure may only be disabled for an adult’s use only if such use is for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

The technology director may close a user account at any time as required and administrators, faculty, and staff may request the technology director to deny, revoke, or suspend user accounts.  Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with technology and/or network systems may be denied access to the district’s technology, network systems, and the internet.  Students and staff members will be instructed by the district’s technology director or other appropriate personnel on the appropriate use of the district’s technology, network, and the internet.

The use of the district’s technology, network, and internet access shall be for educational purposes only.  Students and staff members shall only engage in appropriate, ethical, and legal utilization of the district’s technology, network systems, and internet access.  Student and staff member use of the district’s technology, network, and internet access shall also comply with all district policies and regulations.

The following rules provide guidance to students and staff for the appropriate use of the district’s technology, network, and internet access.  Inappropriate use and/or access will result in the restriction and/or termination of the privilege of access to and use of the district’s technology, network, and internet access and may result in further discipline for students up to and including expulsion and/or other legal action and may result in further discipline for staff members up to and including termination of employment and/or other legal action.  The district’s administration will determine what constitutes inappropriate use and its decision will be final.

Inappropriate use of the district’s technology, network, and internet access includes, but is not limited to any violation of the following rules:

·      Do not make or disseminate offensive or harassing statements or use offensive or harassing language including disparagement of others based on age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

·      Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.  Be polite and follow the same privacy, ethical, educational, and other considerations observed regarding other forms of communication.

·      Do not access, create, or disseminate any material that is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane, or lewd; any material regarding products or services that are inappropriate for minors including products or services that the possession and/or use of by minors is prohibited by law; any material that constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; and/or any material that presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or will cause the violation of lawful school regulations.

·      Do not disseminate or solicit sexually oriented messages or images.

·      Do not transmit your credit card information or other personal identification information, including your home address or telephone number from any district item of technology without prior permission from the building principal, the superintendent, or other appropriate personnel.

·      Do not publish personal or private information about yourself or others on the internet without prior written permission.

·      Do not repost a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent the message.  If any information is to be provided regarding students, it should be limited to the student’s first name and the initial of the student’s last name only.

·      Do not arrange or agree to meet with someone met online.

·      Do not use the district’s technology and/or network systems to participate in illegal activities and/or activities that are inappropriate for the workplace, including, but not limited to, gambling, fraud, and pornography.

·      Do not use, possess or attempt to make or distribute illegal/unauthorized copies of software or other digital media.  Illegal/unauthorized software or other digital media means any software or other digital media that has been downloaded or copied or is otherwise in the user’s possession or being used without the appropriate registration and/or license for the software or in violation of any applicable trademarks and/or copyrights, including the payment of any fees to the owner of the software or other digital media.

·      Do not alter, modify, corrupt or harm in any way the software stored on the district’s technology or network systems.  Do not install any software on the hard drive of any district technology or on the district’s network systems or run any personal software from either floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, flash drives or other storage media or alter or modify any data files stored on the district’s technology or network systems without prior permission and/or supervision from the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel.

·      Do not download any programs or files from the internet without prior permission from the district’s technology director or other appropriate personnel.  Any programs or files downloaded from the internet shall be limited to those for school use.

·      Do not use any encryption software from any access point within the district.

·      Do not access the internet from a district item of technology using a non-district internet account.

·      Do not share personal user account information with anyone.  Each user shall change his/her personal user account passwords as required by the technology director and/or the district’s procedures.  Do not share any personal user account passwords with anyone or leave your account open or unattended.  Every user shall utilize a ‘screensaver’ and/or a ‘lock-out’ method each time the user walks away from the item of technology.

·      Do not access the district’s item of technology or network systems or use the district’s internet connection from a non-district item of technology without prior authorization from the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel.

·      Do not use an instant messenger service or program, internet relay chat or other forms of direct electronic communication or enter a chat room while using the district’s technology, network systems, and/or internet connection.

·      Do not disable or circumvent or attempt to disable or circumvent filtering software without prior permission from the district’s technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel.

·      Do not play any games or run any programs that are not related to the district’s educational program.

·      Do not vandalize the district’s technology or its network systems.  “Vandalism” is defined as any attempt to harm, modify, deface, or destroy physical technology or the network and any attempt to harm or destroy data stored on the district’s technology or the network or the data of another user.  All users are expected to immediately report any problems or vandalism of technology equipment to the administration, the technology director, or the instructor responsible for the equipment.

·      Do not commit or attempt to commit any act that disrupts the operation of the district’s technology or network systems or any network connected to the internet, including the use or attempted use or possession of viruses or worms or participation in hacking or other unlawful/inappropriate activities on line.  Users must report any security breaches or system misuse to the administration or technology coordinator.

·      Do not demonstrate any security or other network problems to other users; give your password to another user for any reason; and/or use another individual's account.

·      Do not attempt to access any device as a system administrator.

·      Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users or would waste system resources (e.g. listening to internet radio, printing web pages without prior permission from the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel, staying on the network longer than is necessary to obtain needed information).

·      Do not use the district’s technology and/or network systems for any commercial or for-profit purposes, personal or private business, (including but not limited to shopping or job searching), product advertisement, or political lobbying.

·      Do not use the district’s technology, network systems, and/or the internet to access, download, transmit, and/or disseminate any material in violation of any federal or state law, copyrighted material, obscene material, hate literature, material protected by trade secret, viruses and/or worms, offensive material, spam e-mails, any threatening or harassing materials, and/or any material that will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities.

·      Do not plagiarize information accessed through the district’s technology, network systems, and/or the internet.  Students and staff shall obtain permission from appropriate parties prior to using copyrighted material that is accessed through the district’s technology, network systems, and/or the internet.

The district will, within the curriculum currently being offered, include age-appropriate content related to children’s use of the internet.  This may include anti-bullying and harassment considerations, social networking considerations, and other considerations involving internet usage.

Although reasonable efforts will be made to make sure students will be under supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network.  Some students may encounter information that may not be of educational value and/or may be inappropriate.  If a student encounters such information, the student should terminate access to the information immediately and notify supervisory personnel or other appropriate personnel of what occurred.

Students will be able to access the district’s technology and network systems, including use of the internet, through their teachers and/or other appropriate supervisors.  Students will not be allowed to use personal e-mail except under very specific, limited educational circumstances.  If a student already has an electronic mail address that has been set up outside of school, the student may, with the permission of the technology coordinator, be permitted to access that e-mail account and/or use that address to send and receive mail at school.

Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the district’s technology, network systems, and the internet.  Students and staff members will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the district’s policies and regulations regarding appropriate use of the district’s technology, network systems and the internet; that they will comply with the policies and regulations; and understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations.  Prior to publishing any student work and/or pictures on the internet, the district will obtain written permission from the student’s parents to do so.

The district has the right, but not the duty, to monitor any and all aspects of its   technology, network systems and internet access including, but not limited to, monitoring sites students and staff visit on the internet and reviewing e-mail.  The administration and the technology coordinator shall have both the authority and right to examine all technology and internet activity including any logs, data, e-mail, storage, and/or other technology related records of any user.  The use of e-mail is limited to district and educational purposes only.  Students and staff waive any right to privacy in anything they create, store, send, disseminate or receive on the district’s technology and network systems, including the internet.

No warranties, expressed or implied, are made by the district for the technology and internet access being provided.  Although the district has taken measures to implement and maintain protection against the presence of viruses, spyware, and malware on the district’s technology, network systems, and internet access, the district cannot and does not warranty or represent that the district’s technology, network systems or internet access will be secure and free of viruses, spyware or malware at all times.  The district, including its officers and employees, will not be responsible for any damages including, but not limited to, the loss of data, delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions caused by negligence or omission.  Individual users are solely responsible for making backup copies of their data.  The district is not responsible for the accuracy of information users access on the internet and is not responsible for any unauthorized charges students or staff members may incur as a result of their use of the district’s technology, network systems, and/or internet access.  Any risk and/or damages resulting from information obtained from the district’s technology, network systems, and/or internet access is assumed by and is the responsibility of the user.

Students, parents, and staff members may be asked from time to time to sign a new consent and/or acceptable use agreement to reflect changes and/or developments in the law or technology.  When students, parents, and staff members are presented with new consent and/or acceptable use agreements to sign, these agreements must be signed for students and/or staff to continue to have access to and use of the district’s technology, network systems, and the internet.

The interpretation, application, and modification of this policy are within the sole discretion of the school district.  Any questions or issues regarding this policy should be directed to the Superintendent, any building principal or the technology coordinator.

The board will review and update this policy as necessary.  The district will maintain this policy at least five (5) years after the termination of funding pursuant to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate.

 

Approved:  March 15, 2004

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

Code No. 606.1R1 Issuing District Technology to Staff and/or Students

The district may make laptop computers and/or tablets available to its staff and/or students to use inside and/or outside of school in order to enhance, enrich, and facilitate learning and teaching and to aid in administrative duties and school communications.  All laptop computers, tablets and related equipment are district property.  The use of the district's laptop computers, tablets, and/or related equipment shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions set out in the district's policies on appropriate use of technology, network systems, and the internet.

Staff’s Use of District’s Laptop Computer and/or Tablet

Prior to using the district's technology and related equipment, staff members shall sign a Staff Technology Acceptance Form and Consent to Use of the District’s Technology, Network Systems, and Internet Access and agree to all outlined policies before being issued any piece of technology.  Staff members shall not attempt to install software or hardware or change the system configuration, including any network settings, on any district laptop computer and/or tablet without prior consultation with the district’s administration.

Staff members shall protect district technology and related equipment from damage and theft.  Each faculty member may be responsible for any damage to the technology and related equipment they have been issued from the time it is issued to them until the time it is turned back in to the district.  Staff members who choose to store school data, such as grades, tests or exams, on district laptop computers and/or tablets are required to back up this data on the district’s network as a safety precaution against data loss.

Students’ Use of District’s Laptop Computer and/or Tablet

Prior to using the district's technology and related equipment, a parent/guardian and/or the student will sign a Student Technology Acceptance Form and Consent to Use of the District’s Technology, Network Systems, and Internet Access and agree to all outlined policies before being issued a piece of technology.

Students shall protect district technology and related equipment from damage and theft.  Each student may be responsible for and/or assessed a fee for any damage or loss of any component of the technology and related equipment.

 

Approved: September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 606.1E1 Staff Appropriate Use Form

Staff Appropriate Use Form

Name: ______________________________________        Date:___________________

Computer and/or Tablet Serial #______________________________________________

Equipment Description and Serial #___________________________________________

I hereby certify that I have received, read, understand and agree to all of the terms and conditions in the Interstate 35 Community School District’s Appropriate Use of Technology Policy.

I understand that the laptop computer, tablet, and/or related equipment I am being issued is the property of the Interstate 35 Community School District.  I will return the laptop computer and/or tablet and any related equipment I am issued in the same condition in which I receive it, excluding normal wear and tear and unforeseen system breakdowns (i.e. hard drive failure, etc.).  I understand that I may be responsible for any damage or loss of any component of the laptop computer, tablet, and/or related equipment I am issued. In case of damage or loss, I agree that I may be required to reimburse the district for any damaged or lost component and/or equipment with components.

I accept full responsibility for my use of the district’s technology, network systems, and the internet through the district in accordance with the terms, conditions, and guidelines as stated by the district in its policies and regulations and as set out in federal and state law.  I understand that violation of these provisions will result in the restriction and/or termination of my ability to use the district’s technology, network systems, and internet access and may result in further discipline up to and including termination of my employment with the district and/or other legal action.

I will not hold the district responsible in any way for materials accessed through the district’s technology, network systems, and/or the district’s internet access.  I relieve and indemnify the Interstate 35 Community School District and its officers and employees from any and all financial responsibility that may be incurred by my use of the district’s technology, network systems, and the internet.

______________________________            __________________________________

Date                                                                Signature

                                                                        __________________________________

                                                                        Printed Name

 

Approved: September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

 

Code No. 606.1E2 Student Appropriate Use Form

Student Technology Usage

Interstate 35 Community School District has committed to a multi-year timeline of issuing a technology device to  every student, a project referred to as the Interstate 35 Student Technology Usage Program. The district believes that technology integrated  into effective instructional practices will support students and staff to grow as creators, contributors, and  empowered, connected learners so that each person is prepared to achieve a lifetime of personal success. Before  being issued a device, students and their families must agree to the terms and conditions of the Technology Usage Agreement issued to students at the beginning of each school year and is also found online at https://www.roadrunnerpride.org/page/technology.   

Student Internet Access

Students may access the Internet while at school. Student access to the Internet is designed for educational purposes and that the District has taken available precautions to restrict and/or control student access to material on the Internet that is inappropriate, and/or harmful to minors. However, it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all objectionable materials that may be found on the Internet. Parents and guardians will not hold the District (or any of its employees, administrators, or officers) responsible for materials my child may come in contact with while on the Internet. Additionally, parents and guardians accept responsibility for communicating to their child guidance concerning his/her acceptable use of the Internet - i.e., setting and conveying standards for my daughter/son to follow when selecting, sharing, and exploring information and resources on the Internet.

Student Media Release

From time to time, photographs/digital photos are taken in the building for newsletters, class projects, newspaper features, district/classroom social media accounts, etc. Parent permission for media release is given electronically at the time of registration. 

If you have questions or concerns with your child’s use of the district’s technology, network systems, internet access, and/or media releases please contact the District Technology Director.

 

 

Approved:  March 15, 2004

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 606.2 Implementation of Technology Protection Measures

The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe environment for students through the use of technology protection measures (i.e., filtering software) to enhance education in the district.

The internet is an ever-expanding resource that adds large quantities of content on a daily basis.  However, some of the content is inappropriate for student use and may even be harmful to students’ health, safety and welfare.  Therefore, the district has determined that it will establish this policy to limit student access to certain undesirable topics, including but not limited to, information and images that are obscene, constitute child pornography or are otherwise harmful to minors.  Since it is not feasible for the district to continually monitor the content of the internet, the district will employ technology protection measures in the form of internet filtering software in an attempt to block access to these types of harmful and inappropriate materials.

The district’s implementation of internet filtering software does not guarantee that students will be prevented from accessing materials that may be considered inappropriate and/or harmful.  However, it is a meaningful effort on the part of the district to prevent students from accessing inappropriate and/or harmful materials on the internet.  The district makes no guarantee that the filtering software will be available at all times or that the filtering software will block all inappropriate and/or harmful material.

If there is an accessible Uniform Resource Locator [URL] that may be inappropriate, students, staff, and parents may request a review by designated district personnel regarding blocking the URL.  Upon review, the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel will make a determination about blocking access to that site.  If there is an educationally valuable URL that is blocked, students, staff, and parents may request a review by designated district personnel regarding un-blocking the URL.  The technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel will review the request and make a determination about unblocking the site.

Staff members may request that the internet filtering software be disabled for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.  Such a request may be submitted to, and will be reviewed by, the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel before the internet filtering software is disabled.

 

Approved: September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

 

Code No. 606.2E1 Modifying Technology Protection Measures Forms

Modifying Technology Protection Measures Forms

Add URL to Blocked Status Form

Name: _________________________________                  Date submitted: ________________

Position: _____________________________

URL http://______________________________________________________________ ____

Primary focus of the web site: ____________________________________________________

What material is deemed objectionable: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reviewed by: ____________________________                Date Reviewed: ________________

Action taken: __________________________________________________________________

 

Remove URL from Blocked Status Form

Name: _________________________________                  Date submitted: ________________

Position: _____________________________

URL http://____________________________________ _______________________________

Primary focus of the web site: ____________________________________________________

Academic value of material being sought: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reviewed by: ____________________________                Date Reviewed:_________________

Action taken: __________________________________________________________________

 

Disabling Internet Filtering Software for Bona Fide Research and/or Other Lawful Purpose Form

Name: _________________________________                  Date submitted:_________________

Position:____________ ________________

Reason individual requires full access to internet with no filtering: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Academic value of material being sought: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I, _____________________, accept the responsibility of full, non-filtered, access to the internet for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.  I understand that I am the only one authorized for full access and will not allow others to use this access for any reason.  Once I am completed with this research, I will notify the administration so the filters can be re-enabled.

                                                                        _________________________________________

                                                                                                Signature

                                                                        _________________________________________

                                                                                              Printed Name

                                                                        _________________________________________

                                                                                                     Date

Reviewed by: _____________________________              Date Reviewed: ________________

Action taken: __________________________________________________________________

 

Approved: September 29, 2015

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

Code No. 606.3 Animals in the Classroom

Live animals will not be allowed in school district facilities except under special circumstances and only for an educational purpose.  Permission from the principal will be required of anyone wishing to bring an animal into school district facilities.  Appropriate supervision of animals is required when animals are brought into the school district facilities.

The person bringing the animal must furnish transportation for the animal brought to school.  Animals will not be allowed to travel to and from the student's attendance center on the school bus without prior approval from the principal.

It is the responsibility of the principal to determine appropriate supervision of animals in the classroom.  This policy is not intended to address the use of service animals, assistive animals, therapy animals or emotional support animals on District property. 

 

Approved: May 20, 2024

Reviewed/Revised:

Code No. 606.3E1 Guidelines for Use of Professional Therapy Dogs

Guidelines for Use of Professional Therapy Dogs

ROLE AND PURPOSE OF CERTIFIED ASSISTANCE DOG TEAMS:

Professional therapy dogs certified with their owners/handlers as certified assistance dog teams provide emotional and physical support in educational settings. These highly trained dogs model good behavior, tolerance, and acceptance. All certified assistance dog teams in the Interstate 35 Community School District work to support and positively influence student achievement.

DEFINITION, CERTIFICATION, AND APPROVAL FOR USE OF THERAPY DOGS:

Professional therapy dogs are trained and tested to provide specific physical or therapeutic functions under the direction and control of a qualified handler who works with the dog as a team, and as part of the handler’s occupation or profession. A professional therapy dog has been temperament tested by a trainer affiliated with an organization recognized as qualified to perform temperament testing. Therapy dogs, along with their handlers, perform services in institutional settings, community-based group settings, or with individuals who have disabilities. Therapy dogs are not family pets that have been certified as pet therapy animals. Refer to page 3: Pet Visitation Dogs.

Professional therapy dogs have passed a public access test administered by a trainer/evaluator recognized by the Interstate 35 School District. Handlers and their dogs are administered the public access test for re-evaluation during their first year of service. The public access test may be administered by a trainer/evaluator recognized by the district.

Professional therapy dogs are owned by a professional educator in the district who wishes to use a therapy dog to augment their educational program. Professional therapy dogs may be used in school settings on a regular basis once the following documentation is in place: Professional Therapy Dog Vital Information Policy 606.03E2

Use of a therapy dog must be approved by the building administrator in which the handler works. A letter stating administrator approval should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

Supervision and Care

A therapy dog must be under the control of the handler (or designee assigned by the handler) at all times.  The handler is solely responsible for the supervision and care of the therapy dog, including any feeding, exercising, and clean up while the animal is in a school building or on school property. The District is not responsible for providing any care, supervision, or assistance for a therapy dog.

a. All staff members who handle the therapy dog need to be properly trained.

b. No students shall handle or be left alone with the therapy dog.

c. If any student or school employee assigned to a classroom in which a therapy dog is permitted

suffers an allergic reaction to the therapy dog, the handler of the animal will remove the

animal to a different location designated by the Principal.

Training and Certification

To be considered an appropriate therapy dog under this policy, proof of the following qualifications and certifications must be provided to the building administrator prior to approval:

● A professional therapy dog has been temperament tested by a trainer affiliated with an

organization recognized as qualified to perform temperament testing.

● Professional therapy dogs have passed a public access test administered by a

trainer/evaluator recognized by the Interstate 35 School District. Handlers and their dogs

are administered the public access test for re-evaluation during their first year of service.

The public access test may be administered by a trainer/evaluator recognized by the district. A copy of the public access test certificate of completion shall be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee. Certification verifying that both the handler and therapy dog passed the public access test must be sent to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

● Any records of advanced obedience, agility, or other training shall be provided to the building administrator and kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

 

Approved: May 20, 2024

Reviewed/Revised:
 

Code No. 606.3E2 Professional Therapy Dog Vital Information

The owner/handler must provide a record of annual vaccinations received by the therapy dog and signed by a licensed veterinarian. These health records should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

The therapy dog should receive an annual Bordetella vaccination. Rabies and five-way Parvo/Distemper (DAPPv) shall be administered every three years. Note: therapy dogs less than one year of age or receiving their rabies and parvo vaccinations for the first time shall receive a follow-up vaccine in one year with administration every three years thereafter.

The therapy dog should receive an annual comprehensive wormer or fecal check.

The therapy dog should be checked for external parasite control.

Owners/handlers will administer preventative parasite (flea and tick) control and heartworm medication year-round. Annual tests for heartworms is recommended. Note: Frontline Plus is recommended due to its non-toxic nature which is important in a school environment.

The therapy dog should be groomed and bathed regularly. For dogs in a working environment, monthly to bi-monthly baths are recommended as is daily brushing. Good judgment should be used based on the dog’s hair, skin, and dander concerns. The owner/handler must also ensure proper health care through regular brushing of the dog’s teeth (several times weekly), nail trims as needed, and weekly ear cleaning/checks.

Public Access Test Documentation:

A copy of the public access test certificate of completion should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

Certification verifying that both the handler and therapy dog passed the public access test must be sent by the certifying institution directly to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

Records of advanced obedience, agility, or other trainings should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

Review of Guidelines and Procedures:

Guidelines and procedures for the use of professional therapy dogs will be reviewed annually with staff and students at the beginning of the academic year.

Guidelines and procedures for the use of professional therapy dogs will be reviewed as needed throughout the year as determined by the building administrator, handler, and Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

The privilege to bring the therapy dog into the school setting may be terminated should the owner/handler or the dog behave in a way deemed unprofessional or unsafe.

When a professional educator in the district uses a professional therapy dog according to the above guidelines, the building in which the handler works and the professional educator will be covered by the district’s general liability coverage.

PET VISITATION DOGS: A pet visitation dog is owned by a volunteer or student who is not employed by the Interstate 35 Community School District, but who has received registration and/or recognition for volunteer pet visitation. These dogs are not considered to be professional therapy dogs.

For a dog to be used on a volunteer basis these guidelines must be followed:

If the handler of the dog is an employee of the district, the handler and dog must be certified under the professional therapy dog guidelines listed above.

The dog may be used on no more than one visitation per week for a two-hour interval. Should the dog be used more often or for longer periods the dog must pass all requirements for professional therapy dog status before it may be used in the schools.

The following documentation must be kept on file in the office of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.

and in the building in which the pet visitation dog is used:

Current certification/registration from the therapy dog organization administering the evaluation and testing.

Current veterinary records of worming schedules and annual vaccinations for five-way Parvo/Distemper (DHPP) and Bordetella, as well as rabies vaccinations every three years.

Proof of insurance.

Letter of approval from the building administrator.

If you have questions about the therapy dog program please contact:

Superintendent’s Office

405 E North Street, Truro, IA 50257

641-765-4291

 

Approved: May 20, 2024

Revised/Reviewed:

 

 

Code No. 606.3E3 Professional Therapy Dog Vital Information

Professional Therapy Dog Vital Information

(All documentation to be filed in the building in which the Professional Therapy Dog’s owner works and with the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.)

Professional Dog Owner ____________________________________________________

Professional Dog Handler ___________________________________________________

Professional Therapy Dog ___________________________________________________

Secondary/Alternative Handler _______________________________________________

School (s) in which the dog will be used ________________________________________

Dog Handler’s Certification Date ______________________________________________

Name of Organization Certifying ______________________________________________

Date of Recertification_______________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Person and Phone No for the dog

  1. ______________________________________________________________
  2. ______________________________________________________________

Therapy Dog’s Veterinarian and Phone No. _______________________________________

Dog’s Date of Birth __________________________________________________________

Last Health Check ___________________________________________________________

Annual Worm Check _________________________________________________________

Bordetella __________________________________________________________________

Rabies Vaccine Date _________________________________________________________

Parvo/Distemper Date ________________________________________________________

 

Note:  Five-way Parvo/Distemper (DAPPv) updated annually and rabies vaccinations shall be updated every three years; dogs less than a year of age or receiving vaccinations for the first time shall receive follow-up in one year, with rabies vaccinations every three years thereafter.

Verification of preventative parasite control (fleas and ticks) as well as heartworm medication is given year-round.

 

Owner’s Signature

 

Approved: May 20, 2024

Reviewed/Revised:

Code No. 606.3R1 Professional Therapy Dog Handler Best Practice

Professional Therapy Dog Handler Best Practice 

  1. Handlers should evaluate their dog’s health and attitude before each work day. 
  2. It is permissible for the dog to be off-lead while in a supervised situation where it is working, but it should not be allowed to wander through the facility unsupervised. 
  3. Be aware and courteous of the places your dog is welcome or allowed in each facility. Students should be taught to “smile and wave” (or other quiet greetings) at the dog in the hall or other less-structured environments to alleviate disruption of students’ attention and conduct. 
  4. Handlers will always clean up after the dog, inside and outside the facility. 
  5. Give verbal command firmly and calmly and praise the dog for exemplary behavior. 
  6. Students are NEVER to be left along with a dog; a designated handler must always be present. Dogs may be left with a non-handler adult for brief periods of time when children are not present/will not have access to the dog. When the dog is left unattended, it should be put in a crate with the door latched or in a room or office with the door closed and locked as needed. 
  7. If treats are used, students should be taught to give the treat with a flat hand or drop the treat on the ground. 
  8. Always be alert to signs of stress in the dog. Some signs of stress may be: Excessive panting; Dog jumps or climbs on handler for security; Dog hides behind handler; Shaking or tremors, or ears and tail pressed closed to body; Yawning and changes in facial expression; Dog looks for doorways or other escape routes; and Noticeable change in behavior and/or desire to socialize 
  9. Be aware of small items dropped on the floor and do not allow the dog to rummage through trash containers. Use the “Leave it!” command if this situation arises. 
  10. When working with disabled person(s), the handler(s) will assist in commanding and handling the dog. 
  11. Never knowingly put your dog in questionable or threatening situations. 
  12. All I-35 CSD handlers/trainers will follow the district guidelines to ensure the safety of their dogs and students; in addition, following these guidelines will help provide for the appropriate hygiene and veterinary care for their dogs, ensuring a long and healthy certified assistance dog team relationship.

Code No. 607.1 Class Size and Class Grouping

It shall be within the sole discretion of the board, in consultation with the superintendent, to determine the size of classes and to determine whether class grouping shall take place.  Class grouping is the organization of pupils into classroom units for the purpose of instruction.  The board may review the class sizes and class grouping annually.

Grouping into instructional levels may be defined as the placement of pupils in groups so that the individual needs of pupils may be met in a more satisfactory manner.  The practice of grouping pupils by instructional levels shall be done solely for the purpose of providing an improved educational opportunity for each child to develop to the maximum of his/her potential.  Such grouping shall be done only so that the maximum learning and performance of each child may be achieved.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board on class size based upon the financial condition of the school district, the qualifications of and number of licensed employees, and other factors deemed relevant to the board.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to determine appropriate class grouping.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 607.2 Insufficient Classroom Space

Insufficient classroom space shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.  In making its determination whether insufficient classroom space exists, the board may consider several factors, including but not limited to, the nature of the education program, the grade level, the available licensed employees, the instructional method, the physical space, student-teacher ratios, equipment and materials, facilities either being planned or under construction, facilities planned to be closed, financial condition of the school district and projected to be available, a sharing agreement in force or planned, a bargaining agreement in force, laws or rules governing special education class size, board-adopted school district goals and objectives, and other factors considered relevant by the board.

This policy shall be reviewed by the board annually.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to bring this policy to the attention of the board each year.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 607.3 School Ceremonies and Observances

The school district will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom of the education program.  These include, but are not limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter, by programs and performances.  Such ceremonies or observances shall have a secular purpose and shall not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.

Students who do not wish to participate in these activities may be silent during the ceremony or observance or receive permission from the principal to be excused from the ceremony for religious reasons in compliance with board policy.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 607.4 Student Health Services

Health services are an integral part of assisting all students to increase learning, achievement, and performance.  Health services coordinate and support existing programs to assist each student in achievement of an optimal state of physical, mental and social well-being.  Student health services ensure continuity and create linkages between school, home, and community service providers.  The school district’s needs, and resources determine the linkages.

Except in emergent care situations or child abuse assessments, the district will not administer invasive physical examinations or health screenings of a student that are not required by state or federal law without first obtaining the written consent of the student’s parent or guardian.  

  • Emergent care situation means a sudden or unforeseen occurrence of onset of a medical or behavioral condition that could result in serious injury or harm to a student or others in the event immediate medical attention is not provided.  Emergent care situation includes the need to screen a student or others for symptoms or exposures during an outbreak or public health event of concern as designated by the department of public health.  
  • Invasive physical examination means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision or scoliosis screening.  
  • Student health screening means an intentionally planned, periodic process to identify if students may be at risk for a health concern and to determine if a referral for an in-depth assessment is needed to consider appropriate health services.  Student health screening does not include an episodic, individual screening done in accordance with professional licensed practice.

The superintendent, in conjunction with the school nurse will develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.  The superintendent will provide a written report on the role of health services in the education program to the board annually.

 

Approved: April 22, 2024

Revised/Reviewed:

Code No. 607.4.R1 Student Health Services Administrative Regulations

 

Student Health Services Administrative Regulations

  1. Student Health Services- Each school building may develop a customized student health services program based on its unique needs and resources. Scientific advances, laws, and school improvement necessitate supports to students with health needs to receive their education program.

Supports to improve student achievement include:

  • qualified health personnel
  • school superintendent, school nurse, and school health team working collaboratively
  • family and community involvement
  • optimal student health services program with commitment to its continuing improvement

Components provided within a coordinated school health program include:

  • health services
  • nutrition
  • healthy, safe environment
  • staff wellness
  • health education
  • physical education and activity
  • counseling, psychological, and social services
  • family and community involvement

Student health services are provided to identify health needs; facilitate access to health care; provide for health needs related to educational achievement; promote health, well-being, and safety; and plan and develop the health services program.

II. Student Health Services Essential Functions

  1. Identify student health needs:
    1. Provide individual initial and annual health assessments
    2. Provide needed health screenings
    3. Maintain and update confidential health records
    4. Communicate (written, oral, electronic) health needs as consistent with confidentiality laws 
  2. Facilitate student access to physical and mental health services:
    1. Link students to community resources and monitor follow through
    2. Promote increased access and referral to primary health care financial resources such as Medicaid, HAWK-I, social security, and community health clinics
    3. Encourage appropriate use of heath care
  3. Provide for student health needs related to educational achievement:
    1. Manage chronic and acute illnesses
    2. Provide special health procedures and medication including delegation, training, and supervision of qualified designated school personnel
    3. Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise individual health plans (IHPs) for all students with special health needs according to mandates in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    4. Provide urgent and emergency care for individual and group illness and injury
    5. Prevent and control communicable disease and monitor immunizations
    6. Promote optimal mental health
    7. Promote a safe school facility and a safe school environment
    8. Participate in and attend team meetings as a team member and health consultant
  4. Promote student health, well-being, and safety to foster healthy living:
    1. Provide developmentally appropriate health education and health counseling for individuals and groups
    2. Encourage injury and disease prevention practices
    3. Promote personal and public health practices
    4. Provide health promotion and injury and disease prevention education​​​
  5. Plan and develop the student health services program collaboratively with the superintendent, school nurse, and school health team:
    1. Gather and interpret data to evaluate needs and performance
    2. Establish health advisory council and school health team
    3. Develop health procedures and guidelines
    4. Collaborate with staff, families, and community
    5. Maintain and update confidential student school health records
    6. Coordinate program with all school health components
    7. Coordinate with school improvement
    8. Evaluate and revise the health service program to meet changing needs
    9. Organize scheduling and direct health services staff
    10. Develop student health services annual status report
    11. Coordinate information and program delivery within the school and between school and major constituents
    12. Provide health services by qualified health professionals to effectively deliver services, including multiple levels of school health expertise such as registered nurses, physicians, and advanced registered nurse practitioners
    13. Provide for professional development for school health services staff
  1. Expanded Health Services

These additional health services address learning barriers and the lack of access to health care. Examples include school-based services in the school, school-linked services connected to the school, primary care, mental health, substance abuse, and dental health.

 

Approved:  April 22, 2024

Revised/Reviewed:

Code No. 607.5 Student Field Trips and Excursions

The principal may authorize field trips and excursions when such events contribute to the achievement of education goals of the school district.  In authorizing field trips and excursions, the principal shall consider the financial condition of the school district, the educational benefit of the activity, the inherent risks or dangers of the activity, and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent.

An employee wishing to take a student field trip and/or excursion must arrange it with the principal well in advance of the scheduled trip and must submit a detailed schedule and budget.  Following a field trip or excursion, the employee may be required to submit a written summary of the event.

The superintendent’s approval will be required for field trips and excursions that take place on Sunday or Wednesday evenings or involve overnight stays.  Board approval will be required for field trips and excursions which take students out-of-state and that which involve unusual length or expense.

The school district will provide transportation for field trips and excursions.  The school district will be responsible for obtaining a substitute teacher if one is needed. 

Written permission of a student’s parent or guardian, notifying parent or guardian as to the means of student transportation, will be required prior to a student participating in a field trip or excursion.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

Code No. 607.6 Community Resources

The Board of Directors recognizes that one of the greatest resources of the school system is  found in the people of the community who have special knowledge and particular talents to contribute to the school program.  The board, therefore, encourages the use of community resources and citizens to assist in furthering the educational program.  The use of outside personnel and resources shall be approved by the principal and reported to the superintendent.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

 

Code No. 607.7 Homework

It shall be the policy of the Interstate 35 Community School District to encourage and require as homework those extra-class activities and assignments which may properly be considered as extensions and enrichment of the regular classroom instructional program.

Homework may include:  research and exploratory activities, sharing and discussing ideas, reviewing and summarizing materials studied, becoming acquainted with the libraries and other sources of reference material, organizing the thoughts and thinking processes of pupils in preparation for classroom activities, and finishing incomplete course or subject assignments.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

 

 

Code No. 607.8 Production of Materials and Services by Students and Employees

Materials and services produced by students at the expense of the school district are the property of the school district.  Materials and services produced by students at the student’s expense, except for incidental expense to the school district, are the property of the student.

Materials and services produced by employees at the expense of the school district are the property of the school district.  Materials and services produced by employees at the employee’s expense, except for incidental expense to the school district, are the property of the employee.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to determine incidental expense.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 607.9 Student Guidance and Counseling Program

The board shall provide a student guidance and counseling program.  The guidance counselor shall be certified with the Iowa Department of Education and hold the qualifications required by the board.  The guidance and counseling program will serve grades kindergarten through twelve.  The program will assist students with their personal, educational, and career development.  The program shall be coordinated with the education program and involve licensed employees.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 610 Special Education

The board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students.  The board shall provide a free appropriate 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 shall attend regular education classes, participate in non-academic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a regular 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 stated in board policy as modified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEP) consistent with board policy, 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 students, 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.  Student 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 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 age 3 through 5 shall be 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 shall be done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.

 

Approved:  November 25, 2019

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023

Code No. 610.1 Special Education Student Graduation

The Interstate 35 Community School District shall issue to special education students the same certificate or diploma as granted to other students meeting the requisites necessary for completion of their educational program.  The school district shall establish the criteria for determining the completion of a course of study for students with a disability.

Graduation requirements for special education students will be in accordance with the prescribed course of study as described in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).  Each student’s IEP will include a statement of the projected date of graduation at least eighteen months in advance of the projected date and the criteria to be used in determining whether graduation will occur.  Prior to the special education student’s graduation, the IEP team will determine whether the graduation criteria have been met.

 

Approved:  October 19, 1998

Revised/Reviewed: February 27, 2023

Code No. 636 Suicide Prevention and ACES Training Requirements

The District considers child exposure to adverse childhood experience, child mental health, and suicide as serious matters which impact learning opportunities for students, classroom, and instructional challenges for staff and ultimately, if not addressed, can lead to lifelong struggles, attempted suicide and loss of life. The District will follow all laws and regulations regarding the training required to inform staff of identification and referral to services for students with mental health challenges. 

The District shall provide suicide prevention and postvention training and training on the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response for all school personnel who hold a license, certificate, authorization or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners and who have regular contact with students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The training shall begin July 1, 2019, and occur annually between July 1 and June 30, thereafter.  The content of the training shall be based on nationally recognized best practices.

“Adverse childhood experience” means a potentially traumatic event occurring in childhood that can have negative, lasting effects on an individual’s health and well-being.

“Postvention” means the provision of crisis intervention, support, and assistance for those affected by a suicide or suicide attempt to prevent further risk of suicide.

The suicide prevention and postvention training shall be evidence-based, evidence-supported and be at least one hour in length.  The content of the training shall be based on nationally recognized best practices.

The identification of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response training shall be evidence-based, evidence-supported, and be at least one hour in length or as determined by the Superintendent. The content of the training shall be based on nationally recognized best practices.

 

Approved:  November 25, 2019

Revised/Reviewed:  February 27, 2023