EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.1 - BASIC INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
The basic instructional program shall include the courses required for each grade level by the State Department of Education. The instructional approach will be nonsexist and multicultural.
The basic instructional 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 instructional program of students enrolled in grades one through six shall include English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, physical education, traffic safety, music, character education and visual art.
The basic instructional program of students enrolled in grades seven and eight shall include English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, family and consumer, career, technology education, physical education, music, character education and visual art.
The basic instructional 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 (1 unit), fine arts (3 units), foreign language (4 units), and vocational education (12 units).
The board may, in its discretion, offer and/or required additional courses in the instructional program for any grade level.
Each instructional 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.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations stating the required courses and optional courses for kindergarten, grades one through six, grades seven and eight, and grades nine through twelve.
NOTE: This policy reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1988).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 98 (1993).
Iowa Codes §§ 216.9; 256.11; 279.8; 280.3-.14 (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.5.
Cross Reference: 102 Equal Educational Opportunity
103 Educational and Operational Planning
505 Student Scholastic Achievement
505.5 Graduation Requirements
602 Curriculum Development
603 Instructional Curriculum
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 10/18/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.10 - 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.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 256.11, .11A (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.5(11).
Cross Reference: 602 Curriculum Development
603 Instructional Curriculum
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 10/18/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.11 - CITIZENSHIP
Being a citizen or resident 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.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 256.11, .11A (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(8).
Cross Reference: 101 Educational Philosophy of the School District
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 10/18/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.2 - SUMMER SCHOOL INSTRUCTION
Generally, only drivers education and School-to-Career will be offered during summer school. However, the board, in its discretion, may offer summer school for one or more courses and student activities for students who need additional help and instruction or for enrichment in those areas.
Upon receiving a request for summer school, the board shall weigh the benefit to the students and the school district as well as the school district's budget and availability of licensed employees to conduct summer school.
The decision whether the school district will offer summer school shall be within the discretion of the board.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 279.8, .11; 280.3, .14; 282.1A, .6 (1995).
Cross Reference: 410.2 Summer School Licensed Employees
603 Instructional Curriculum
711.4 Summer School Program Transportation Service
Approved: 3/17/66
Reviewed: 10/19/15
Revised: 8/17/99, 10/18/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION
The board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students. The board will provide a free appropriate public education program and related services to students identified in need of special education. The special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or to maximum age allowable in accordance with the law. Students requiring special education will attend general education classes, participate in nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a general education setting to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of each individual student.
The appropriate education for each student is written in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Special education students shall be required to meet the requirements stated in board policy or 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.
Special education students are required to meet the requirements stated in board policy or in their IEPs for graduation.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special education
Children from birth through age 2 and children age 3 through age 5 are provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school district will work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services, at the earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age 2. This is done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects state and federal law.
Legal Reference: Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982).
Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982).
Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction,
285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq. (2004).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (2004).
Iowa Codes §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.1, .2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8 (2007).
281 I.A.C. 41.
Cross Reference: 503 Student Discipline
506 Student Records
505.5 Graduation Requirements
507.2 Administration of Medication to Students
507.8 Student Special Health Services
601.1 School Calendar
603 Instructional Curriculum
Approved: 3/17/66
Reviewed: 7/15/19, 10/18/21
Revised: 7/15/19
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.4 - MULTICULTURAL/GENDER FAIR EDUCATION
Students will have an equal opportunity for a quality education without discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, color, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
The education program will be free of discrimination and provide equal opportunity for the students and will foster knowledge of, respect, and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society with special emphasis on Asian-Americans, AFrican-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and persons with disabilities. It will also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes.
The district will incorporate multicultural and gender fair goals for the education program into its comprehensive school improvement plan. During the evaluation process, the board shall involve parents, students, employees and community members.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 216.9; 256.11 (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.5(8).
Cross Reference: 102 Equal Educational Opportunity
600 Goals and Objectives of the Education Program
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15
Revised: 7/20/09, 10/18/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.5 - HEALTH EDUCATION
Students in grade levels one through twelve will receive, as part of their health education, instruction about personal health; food and nutrition; environmental health; safety and survival skills; consumer health; family life; human growth and development; substance abuse and non-use, including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and poisons on the human body; human sexuality; self-esteem; stress management; interpersonal relationships; emotional and social health; health resources; prevention and control of disease; and communicable diseases. The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve and maintain physical, emotional and social well-being.
The areas stated above shall be included in health education and the instruction shall be adapted at each grade level to aid understanding by the students.
Parents who object to health education instruction in human growth and development may file a written request that the student be excused from the instruction. The written request shall include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent. The superintendent will have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 256.11; 279.8; 280.3-.14 (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.5.
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
603 Instructional Curriculum
607 Instructional Services
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 10/18/21
Revised: 8/21/2023
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.5E1 - 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.
6.
7.
8.
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)
Reviewed: 10/18/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.6 - 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, provided such excuse fits within federal and state laws.
Students in grades 9-12 may also be excused from physical education courses if the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available or the student has obtained a physical education waiver for a semester because the student is actively involved in an athletic program.
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 class on a specific day must have a written request or statement from their parents.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 256.11 (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.5.
Cross Reference: 504 Student Activities
603 Instructional Curriculum
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15
Revised: 11/22/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.7 - 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 their lives.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to assist licensed employees in finding ways to provide career education in the education program. Special attention should be given to coursesof 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.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 256.11, .11A; 280.9 (1995).
281 I.A.C. 12.5(7).
Cross Reference: 603 Instructional Curriculum
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15
Revised: 11/22/21
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.8 - 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.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure the study of religion in the schools in keeping with the following guidelines:
NOTE: This policy and the accompanying regulation reflect the law on teaching religion in the public schools.
Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.
Lee v. Weisman. 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608
F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.6 (1995).
Cross Reference: 603 Instructional Curriculum
604.5 Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program
606.2 School Ceremonies and Observances
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 11/22/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.8R1 - TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION REGULATION - RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
The historical and contemporary significance of religious holidays may be included in the education program provided that the instruction is presented in an unbiased and objective manner. The selection of holidays to be 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 careful 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 educational 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 worship, such as the devotional reading of sacred writings or the recitations of prayers.
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, Easter bunnies and Halloween decorations are secular, seasonal symbols and as such can be displayed in a seasonal context.
Expressions of belief or nonbelief 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 nonbeliefs.
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 11/22/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.9 - 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.
NOTE: This is not a mandatory policy, but it is strongly recommended. The policy and accompanying regulation reflect current law on the subject.
Legal Reference: Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.3, .6 (1995).
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
603 Instructional Curriculum
903.5 Distribution of Materials
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 11/22/21
Revised:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
603.9R1 - TEACHING CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
A "controversial issue" is a topic of significant academic inquiry about which substantial groups of citizens of this community, this state or this nation hold sincere, conflicting points of view.
It is the belief of the board that controversial issues should be fairly presented in a spirit of honest academic freedom so that students may recognize the validity of other points of view but can also learn to formulate their own opinions based upon dispassionate, objective, unbiased study and discussion of the facts related to the controversy.
It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to present full and fair opportunity and means for students to study, consider and discuss all sides of controversial issues including, but not limited to, political philosophies.
It shall be the responsibility of the instructor to protect the right of the student to study pertinent controversial issues within the limits of good taste and to allow the student to express personal opinions without jeopardizing the student's relationship with the teacher.
It shall be the responsibility of the teacher 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 students are encouraged to reach their own decisions independently.
The board encourages full discussion of controversial issues in a spirit of academic freedom that shows students that they have the right to disagree with the opinions of others but that they also have the responsibility to base the disagreement on facts and to respect the right of others to hold conflicting opinions.
Approved: 8/17/99
Reviewed: 10/19/15, 11/22/21
Revised: