EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

601.1 - SCHOOL CALENDAR

The school calendar shall accommodate the education program of the school district. The school calendar shall be for a minimum of 1,080 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 begin no sooner than August 23.  Employees may be required to report to work at the school district prior to this date.  

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

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

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

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 20.9; 279.10, 280.3 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(1).

Cross Reference:         501.3  Compulsory Attendance

                                    601.2  School Day

603.3  Special Education

Approved:  2/16/69               Reviewed:  9/16/2019               Revised:  9/16/2019, 9/20/2021, 8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

601.2 - SCHOOL DAY

The student school day for grades one through twelve shall consist of a minimum of six hours, not including the lunch period. The school day consists of the schedule of class instruction and class activities as established and sponsored by the school district. Time during which students are released from school for parent/teacher conferences may be counted as part of 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 the 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 consecutive school days equals a minimum of thirty hours, even though any one day of school is less than the minimum instructional hours because of a staff development opportunity provided for the instructional staff or parent-teacher conferences have been scheduled beyond the regular school day. Parent-teacher conference time is included in the total of instructional hours for the day, week and calendar total hours or days. 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, Henry and Washington County Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Education, and the 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.

One of the following sentences will apply based on the district’s hour or day calendar: 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 if the districts is operating under a calendar based on 180 instructional days. When the school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies those hours of the day during which school was in session will count toward the 1,080 total hours required.

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.

 

 

NOTE:  This policy reflects the educational standards.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

281 I.A.C. 12.2(2), .2(3), .2(6).

Cross Reference: 601.1 School Calendar

Approved:  2/16/69               Reviewed:  10/29/2020               Revised:  10/29/2020, 9/20/2021

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

601.3 - 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

 

Adopted:  9/20/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVISED: 10/29/2020

REVIEWED: 10/29/2020, 9/20/2021

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

602.1 - CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

Curriculum development shall be an ongoing process in the school district. Each curriculum area shall be reviewed and revised when necessary according to the timelines set out by the superintendent. These timelines will provide for periodic review of each curriculum area.

The superintendent shall be responsible for curriculum development and for determining the most effective way of conducting research of the school district's curriculum needs and a long-range curriculum development program. In making recommendations to the board, the superintendent shall propose a curriculum that will:

• fulfill the mission, beliefs, and vision of the school district;
• reflect current research and best practice;
• reflect the educational and operational assessments of the school district;
• identity Standards, Benchmarks, and Critical Objectives for each course or grade level;
• articulate courses of study from kindergarten through grade twelve;
• provide for continual assessment of a student's progress;
• improve instructional practice;
• meet the long and short range student achievement goals found in the District's School Improvement Plan;
• meet the requirements of the Iowa Department of Education in meeting General Accreditation Standards.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of necessary curriculum changes and revisions and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum development. 

 

Note:    This is a mandatory policy but the content is discretionary to the extent somewhere in board policy the board describes its process for establishing content standards, benchmarks, performance levels, and annual improvement goals aligned with needs assessment information. The bulleted items are suggestions for content of this policy.

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1994).

34 C.F.R. Pt. 98 (t996).

Iowa Code §§ 216.9, 256.7, 279.8, 280.3-14 (1999).

                                                    281 I.A.C. 12.8(l)(c)(1).

                Cross Reference:        101       Educational Philosophy of the School District

                                                    105       Long-Range Needs Assessment

                                                    505       Student Scholastic Achievement

                                                    602       Curriculum Development

Approved:                   8/17/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15

Revised:                      05/23/01, 9/20/2021

 

602-1 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.doc Page 2 of 2

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

602.2 - CURRICULUM ADOPTION

Curriculum of the school district will be recommended by the superintendent and approved by the board.

The District's Curriculum 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. This framework shall:

• be data driven;
• review both standardized and district assessment data for existing standards, benchmarks, and critical objectives;
• identify the strengths and weaknesses (gap analysis);
• study and identify best instructional practices;
• identify and develop research that demonstrates how students learn best;
• focus on developing plans that address weaknesses;
• provide ongoing staff development;
• describe procedures for purchase of instructional materials;
• communicate with both the external and internal customers using data; and
• continually assess changes in curriculum.

NOTE: This policy is mandatory but may be re-written to reflect the board’s goals in curriculum adoption.

                     Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1988).

                     34 C.F.R. Pt. 98 (1993).

                      Iowa Codes §§ 216.9; 279.8; 280.3-.14 (1995).

                      281 I.A.C. 12.5.

Cross Reference: 602 Curriculum Development

Approved:                   8/17/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15

Revised:                      9/20/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

602.3 - Curriculum Implementation

Without careful and continuing attention to implementation, planned changes in curriculum and instruction rarely succeed as intended.  How change is put into practice, to a large extent, determines how well it fares.

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 shall be responsible for curriculum implementation and for determining the most effective way of providing organized assistance and monitoring the level of implementation.  A curriculum framework shall 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 
• 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 focuses on theory, demonstration, practice and feedback;
• Regularly monitor and assess the level of implementation;
• Communicate with internal and external publics regarding curriculum implementation;
• Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum implementation decisions.

It shall be 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.

Note:   This is a mandatory policy but the content is discretionary to the extent somewhere in board policy the board describes its process for establishing content standards, benchmarks, performance levels, and annual improvement goals aligned with needs assessment information.  The bulleted items are suggestions for content of this policy.  Boards, in conjunction with their administrators, should review their curriculum implementation process and incorporate it into this policy – striking what doesn’t apply and adding what does. 

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1994).

                                    34 C.F.R. pt. 98 (1996).

                                    Iowa Codes §§ 216.9, 256.7, 279.8, 280.3-.14 (1999).

                                    281 I.A.C.  12.8(1)(c)(1).

Cross Reference:         101      Educational Philosophy of the School District

                                    105      Long-Range Needs Assessment

                                    505      Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    602      Curriculum Development

                                    603      Instructional Curriculum

Approved:                   8/17/99

Reviewed:                  10/19/15, 10/18/21

Revised:                      05/23/01

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

602.4 - CURRICULUM EVALUATION

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

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

Curriculum evaluation must be based on information gathered from a comprehensive assessment system that is designed for accountability and committed to the concept that all students will achieve at high levels, is standards-based, and 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 (data based 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-wide assessments.

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.

Note:   This is a mandatory policy but the content is discretionary to the extent somewhere in board policy the board describes its process for establishing content standards, benchmarks, performance levels, and annual improvement goals aligned with needs assessment information.  The bulleted items are suggestions for content of this policy.  Boards, in conjunction with their administrators, should review their curriculum evaluation process and incorporate it into this policy – striking what doesn’t apply and adding what does. 

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1994).

                                    34 C.F.R. pt. 98 (1996).

                                    Iowa Codes §§ 216.9, 256.7, 279.8, 280.3-.14 (1999).

                                    281 I.A.C.  12.8(1)(c)(1).

Cross Reference:         101      Educational Philosophy of the School District

                                    105      Long-Range Needs Assessment

                                    505      Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    602      Curriculum Development

                                    603      Instructional Curriculum

Approved:                   8/17/99

Reviewed:                  10/19/15, 10/18/21

Revised:                      05/23/01

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

602.5 - PILOT - EXPERIMENTAL - INNOVATIVE PROJECTS

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.  The inspection and review by the parents shall be in accordance with board policy 605.2, "Instructional Materials Inspection."

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

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1988).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 98 (1993).

                                    Iowa Codes §§ 279.8, .10; 280.3-.14 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.5.

Cross Reference:         602  Curriculum Development

                                    603  Instructional Curriculum

Approved:                   8/17/99

Reviewed:                 10/19/15, 10/18/21

Revised:                     

 

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:

•  the proposed activity must have a secular purpose;
•  the primary objective of the activity must not be one that advances or inhibits religion; and
•  the activity must not foster excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

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:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.1 - PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

In the event a child of compulsory attendance age does not attend public school or an accredited non-public school, the child must receive competent private instruction or independent private instruction.

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner, competent private instruction for a student by a non-licensed individual or independent private instruction must meet the requirements outlined under Iowa law.

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner shall notify the District prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the district.  The forms are available in the central administration office.  One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the district and another copy will be forwarded to the appropriate Area Education Agency.

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by a non-licensed individual may notify the District prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the district.  The forms are available in the central administration office.  One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the district and another copy will be forwarded to the appropriate Area Education Agency.

A parent choosing independent private instruction for a student may be asked to provide a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the independent instruction, and the names of the students enrolled to the district. 

The superintendent or superintendent’s designee will determine whether the completed form or report is in compliance with the law.  The district shall report non-compliance with the reporting, immunization, attendance, instructor qualifications, and assessment requirements of the compulsory attendance law to the county attorney of the county of residence of the student's parent, guardian, or custodian.

Students receiving competent private instruction or independent private instruction are eligible to request open enrollment to another district.  The receiving district shall not bill the resident district unless the receiving district complies with the reporting requirements.  If the parent, guardian, or custodian fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements, the receiving district shall notify the resident district.  The resident district shall then report the non-compliance to the county attorney of the county of residence of the parent, guardian, or custodian.

Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner must make adequate progress.  Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner shall be monitored for progress by the supervising teacher.  Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner may be assessed annually.  The district will provide any optional assessments at no cost.

Students receiving competent private instruction by a non-licensed individual must make adequate progress.  Students receiving competent private instruction by a non-licensed individual shall be evaluated annually by the parent, guardian or legal custodian to ensure adequate progress is being made.  Students receiving competent private instruction from a non-licensed individual may be assessed annually.  The district will provide any optional assessments at no cost.

Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner and students receiving competent private instruction from a non-licensed individual may dual enroll with the district.  Students receiving individual private instruction may not dual enroll with the district.

Upon the request of a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction or upon referral of a licensed practitioner who provides instruction or instructional supervision of a student under competent private instruction, the district shall refer a student who may require special education to the appropriate Area Education Agency, Division of Special Education, for evaluation.

Approved:       10/17/1991     

Reviewed:       10/19/15

Revised:          1/20/2014, 12/20/21

 

 

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.10 - VIRTUAL/ONLINE COURSES

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

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

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

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

Provided online courses are part of the student’s regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the tuition costs for an online course shall be borne by the school district during the fall and spring semesters, but may be passed on to the parent/guardian during the summer semester. Any additional costs such as textbooks, rentals or school supplies, shall be borne by the (pick one – school district, parents) for students enrolled full-time. 

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

NOTE: This policy does not apply to Senior Year Plus programs. 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code § 256.9(55); 279.8.

281 I.A.C. 15

Cross Reference:           605.6    Internet Appropriate Use

                                    501.6    Student Transfers In

Approved:                   06/21/10

Reviewed:                   10/19/15

Revised:                      06/21/10, 12/20/21

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.1E1 - COMPETENT PRIVATE INSTRUCTION REPORT

Directions:  Complete one form in duplicate (carbon or photostatic copy) for each child for whom the compulsory education law is being met in other than regular enrollment in a public school or accredited nonpublic school.  NO REPORT IS NECESSARY if the child is not of compulsory attendance age (6-16 with birth date prior to September 15) or if the child is enrolled in a home school assistance program in a public or a state accredited nonpublic school.  Reporter should retain a copy of this report for personal records.

Return to school district secretary by the first day of school or within 14 calendar days of removing the child from public or accredited nonpublic school.

A.        MANDATORY INFORMATION.  (This information is required by Iowa Code §299.4).

1.                  Name and birth date of child under private instruction.  (Use one form for each child.)                                                                                 

                                  child's name                                      birthdate

 

2.                  Name and address of person filing report:                                                                   

                                                            Name

                                                                                                                            circle one:

                                                            address                                                parent  guardian  custodian

                                                                                                                                     

                                                            city/state/zip

 

3.                  School year and resident school district:                                                                                              

                                (e.g., 199 -9 )                               resident school district

 

4.                  Number of days of instruction for the school year           (min. 148)

 

5.                  Name and address of person providing instruction to the child, and relationship to child.                                                                             

                                                                          Name                                                    

                                                                        address                                                                                                

                                                                        city/state/zip

                         Circle one:   parent, guardian, custodian, licensed teacher

6.                  Will instruction be provided or supervised by a person with a valid Iowa teacher's license/certificate appropriate for the age and grade level of the child?

                                                          yes          no

                        If yes, print folder number of teacher:                                               

                                                                                    folder no.

                        Name of Iowa licensed teacher:                                                        

                        Note: if properly licensed teacher provides or supervises instruction in accordance with 281 I.A.C. 31 of the rules of the Iowa Department of Education, no annual assessment is required.  Otherwise a baseline test the first year and annual assessments thereafter are required of all students over 7 years of age who are in private instruction.

7.                  List subjects covered in instruction and approximate amount of time spent on each.  Use extra sheet if necessary.

                        Circle one:  daily  weekly  monthly  quarterly  by semesters  annually

                                                                           

8.                  Identify texts used including title and author or publisher and grade level series.  Use extra sheet if necessary.

                                                                                                                                                   

9.                  If the child is being placed under private instruction for the first time, or for all children for whom no evidence was provided in a previous school year, attach evidence of the child's immunizations as required by Iowa law.  Evidence includes a doctor's statement, a copy of a public health record, or the name and address of last school attended, or any other formal evidence of the dates and types of inoculations.

                            attached               previously provided to:                                                      

 (tell where, when and to whom evidence was provided)

                        Please attach lesson plans for the period of instruction for the academic school year as required by Iowa Code §299.4.

B.        OPTIONAL INFORMATION (Note: Although not required by law for reporting purposes under Iowa Code §299.4, failure to respond may result in loss of some privileges or available options to parents, guardians or custodians.)

 

10.              a. Indicate whether or not you desire dual enrollment in the public school for the child under competent private instruction.

                                   yes           no

                        b. Indicate whether dual enrollment is desired for 

                                    academics        extra curricular activities           both     

11.              If the child is dual enrolled in the public school, please specify in which grade level you wish to include the child for the purposes of academic or extracurricular activities.                                          

                               grade level

            12.       If the child is dual enrolled, of which activities do you wish to be notified (e.g., field trips, vocal or instrumental music opportunities, physical education class, drama, art, music, science lab, driver's ed, track, volleyball, academic decathlon, mock trial, etc.)?                                                                                  

 

13.       Is the child currently identified as a child requiring special education:     yes         no

 

(If "yes," approval of the AEA Director of Special Education is required before the child can be placed under competent private instruction.)

 

                                                                                                                           /Date __________ 

                         signature of AEA special education director or designee

14.              If the answer to question 6 is no, please indicate the desired method of assessment:

                             Standardized testing              Portfolio evaluation

A baseline test is required the first year of home schooling regardless of which type of assessment is chosen if the child is under the annual assessment requirement.

15.              Please indicate which test you desire to use for Baseline (B) or Annual Assessment (AA) purposes:

                        B         AA

                        _            __      California Achievement Test (CAT)

                        _            __      Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT)

                        _            __      Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS)

                        _            __      Stanford Achievement Test

                        _            __      Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) grades K-9 only

                        _            __      Stanford Achievement Test (Abbrev.)

                        _            __      Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED) grades 9-12 only

                        Grade level of test desired                    

                             Fall Norms           Winter norms           Spring norms

16.       If your answer to question 14 is portfolio evaluation, please provide name of portfolio evaluator, if known, and folder number                          

                                portfolio evaluator                                              folder number

                             Please provide me with a list of trained portfolio evaluators.

17.              Do you wish to have the school district or Area Education Agency notify you of the dates it will be conducting testing sessions, so your child can take a baseline or annual assessment test at the same time?

                                     Yes                      No

18.              If you answered yes to questions 10 or 17, please provide the name, address, and telephone number of the person who desires to be notified.

 

                                    name                                                       address                                                                                                                          

                                     telephone number                                       city/state/zip

It is the responsibility of the test administrator to submit the results of the child's baseline test, and if standardized testing form of assessment is chosen, the annual standardized test results to the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child; to the district of residence; and to the Iowa Department of Education annually by June 30.  If portfolio assessment is chosen, the responsibility of the portfolio evaluator is to provide a narrative report assessing the child's progress to the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian; to the district of residence; and to the Iowa Department of Education by June 30 annually.  All reports to the Department should be sent to: Iowa Department of Education, Attn: Student Assessment Results, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA 50319-0146.

Reviewed:  12/20/21

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.2 - INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION

The board's primary responsibility in the management of the school district is the operation and delivery of the regular educational program.  Generally, students attending the school district shall receive the regular educational program offered by the district.  Only in exceptional circumstances will the board approve students receiving individualized instruction at the expense of the school district.

Recommendations from the superintendent for individualized instruction shall state the need for the instruction, the objectives and goals sought for the instruction, the employee requirements for the instruction, the implementation procedures for the instruction and the evaluation procedures and processes that will be used to assess the value of the instruction.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for individualized instruction.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Codes §§ 256.11; 279.8, .10, .11; 280.3, .14; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24; 299A (1995).

Cross Reference:         501.12  Pregnant Students

                                    604.1   Competent Private Instruction

Approved:                   10/7/99

Reviewed:                  10/19/15, 12/20/21

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.3 - PROGRAM FOR TALENTED AND GIFTED STUDENTS

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

It is 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.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 257.42-.49 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.5(12); 59.

Cross Reference:         505    Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    604.6  Instruction at a Post-Secondary Education Institution

Approved:                   10/7/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 12/20/21

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.4 - 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.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Codes §§ 257.38-.41; 280.19, .19A (1995).

                                    281  I.A.C. 12.5(13); 33; 61; 65.

Cross Reference:         505    Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    607.1  Student Guidance and Counseling Program

Approved:                   10/7/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 12/20/21

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.5 - RELIGIOUS-BASED EXCLUSION FROM A SCHOOL PROGRAM

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.  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.

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 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.

NOTE:  This policy reflects Iowa law regarding parents removing their children from parts of the education program.

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 §§ 256.11(6); 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         603    Instructional Curriculum

                                    606.2  School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved:                   10/7/99

Reviewed:                    10/19/15, 12/20/21

Revised:                       

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.6 - INSTRUCTION AT A POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

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

Concurrent Enrollment

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

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

Post-Secondary Enrollment Option

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

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

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

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

If a student is unable to demonstrate proficiency or the school district or accredited nonpublic school determines that the course unit completed by the student does not meet the school district’s standards, the superintendent shall provide in writing to the student’s parent or guardian the reason for the denial of credit.

Legal References:         Iowa Code §§ 256.7, 11; 258; 261E; 279.61, 280.3, 280.14

281 I.A.C. 12 and 22

Cross References:         505       Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    604.3    Program for Talented and Gifted Students

Approved:                   8/15/91

Reviewed:                  10/19/15

Revised:                     10/7/99, 12/20/21

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.7 - DUAL ENROLLMENT

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE:  This policy reflects Iowa's dual enrollment law.

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 279.8, 299A.

                                    281 I.A.C. 31.

Cross Reference:           502       Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503       Student Discipline

                                    504       Student Activities

                                    507       Student Health and Well-Being

                                    604.1    Private Instruction

                                    604.9    Home School Assistance Program

 

 

The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or by a non-licensed individual may also enroll the student in the district.  The student shall be considered under dual enrollment.  The parent, guardian or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the superintendent prior to October 1st each year on forms provided by the Iowa Department of Education.  On the form, the parent, guardian or custodian shall indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating.  The forms are available at the central administration office.

A dual enrollment student is eligible to participate in the district's extracurricular and academic activities in the same manner as other students enrolled in the District. The policies and administrative rules of the District shall apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other students enrolled in the District. These policies and administrative rules shall include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of the fees required for participation.

APPROVED:  10/17/1991
REVIEWED:  10/19/15
REVISED:       1/20/2014
 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.8 - FOREIGN STUDENTS

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

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

NOTE:  The only legal requirement for foreign students is stated in the second bullet.  However, the other requirements are strongly recommended.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         501    Student Attendance

                                    507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved:                   10/7/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 12/20/21

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

604.9 - HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The board, recognizing alternatives to education outside the formal public school system, authorizes the establishment of a home school assistance program.  This program will assist students receiving competent private instruction by providing licensed employees of the school district to assist the parent, guardian or legal custodian in the education of the student.

The parent, guardian or legal custodian registering for the home school assistance program will agree to comply with the requirements established by the faculty of the program.

Students registered for the home school assistance program will be counted in the basic enrollment.

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

Legal Reference:         Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 299A (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 31.

Cross Reference:         504    Student Activities

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

                                    604.1  Competent Private Instruction

                                    604.7  Dual Enrollment

Approved:                   10/7/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 12/20/21

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AND INSTRUCTION

604.9.1 - REQUIREMENTS FOR HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

To be eligible to receive a Home School Assistance Program Certificate of Completion, a student must participate in the WACO Home School Assistance Program for at least two years immediately prior to completion of the program.  In addition, the student must have taken a standardized achievement test such as the Iowa Test of Educational Development or equivalent at least twice during four years.   The results of these standardized tests must be reviewed by the Home School Assistance Program teacher.

A student must complete the minimum number of credits required for graduation from the WACO Community School District.  This includes the core courses required for WACO students and the additional electives required for graduation at the time the certificate of completion is to be issued.  Students issued a Home School Assistance Program Certificate of Completion will be eligible to participate in the WACO graduation exercises.

Credit will be given for the following courses:

     A.    Courses taught by the home school assistance teacher(s).

     B.    Courses taken at an accredited school or community college that would be accepted for credit by the WACO Community School District.

     C.    Courses taught by parents that meet the following criteria:

1. To the greatest extent possible, the courses should follow the curriculum guidelines for equivalent courses offered by the WACO Community School district.
2. Parent and home school assistance teacher have agreed on the specific requirements for the course
3. Courses completed through enrollment and completion of a correspondence course such as A.C.E, A BEKA Video School, or Bob Jones Link.
4. Independently designed courses that have the prior approval of the home school assistance teacher.  Credit would be given based upon a review of the student’s portfolio by the home school assistance teacher.

Approved:       2/20/97

Revised:          7/20/09

Reviewed:       10/19/15, 12/20/21

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.1 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS SELECTION

The board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the school district.  The board delegates this authority to licensed employees to determine which instructional materials, other than textbooks, will be utilized by the school district. The Superintendent will provide licensed employees necessary training to ensure selected instructional materials comply with applicable laws.  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, licensed employees will consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to report to the board the action taken by licensed employees.

In the case of textbooks, the board will make the final decision after receiving a recommendation from the superintendent.  The criteria stated above for selection of other instructional materials will apply to the selection of textbooks.  The superintendent may develop another means for the selection of textbooks.  Textbooks are reviewed as needed and at least every seven years.

Education materials gifted to the school district must meet the criteria established above.  The gift must be received in compliance with board policy.

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

 

Legal Reference:         Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14; 301 (1995).

Cross Reference:         208  Ad Hoc Committees

                                    505  Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    602  Curriculum Development

                                    605  Instructional Materials

Approved:                   6/10/75

Reviewed:                  10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised:                      10/7/99, 8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.1R1 - SELECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

I.      Responsibility for Selection of Instructional Materials

        A.   The board is responsible for matters relating to the operation of the WACO Community School District.

        B.    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 multimedia materials (not equipment), whether considered text materials or library materials.  The board retains the final authority for the approval of textbooks.

        C.    While selection of materials may involve many people including principals, teacher-librarian, students, parents and community members, the responsibility for coordinating the selection of most instructional materials and making the recommendation for the purchase rests with licensed employees. 

        D.   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 nonprinted material provided in multiple copies for use of a total class or major segment of a class.

        E.    If the board appoints an ad hoc committee to make recommendations on the selection of instructional materials, the ad hoc committee is 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 is given to the ad hoc committee members:

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.

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.

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.

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.

II.     Material selected for use in libraries and classrooms will meet the following guidelines:

        A.   Religion - Material will represent the major religions in a factual, unbiased manner.  The primary source material of the major religions is considered appropriate, but material which advocates rather than informs, or is designed to sway reader judgment regarding religion, will not be included in the school libraries or classrooms.

        B.    Racism - Material will 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.

        C.    Sexism - Material will reflect sensitivity to the needs, rights, traits and aspirations of men and women without preference or bias.

        D.   Age - Material will recognize the diverse contributions of various age groups and portray the continuing contributions of maturing members of society.

        E.    Ideology - Material will 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 will not be selected with the intention to sway reader judgment and is related to the maturity level of the intended audience.

        F.    Profanity and Sex - Material complies with all applicable laws and is subjected to a test of literary merit and reality by the teacher-librarians and licensed staff who will take into consideration their reading of public and community standards of morality.

        G.   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 will 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.

III.    Procedure for Selection

        A.      Material purchased for libraries and classrooms is recommended for purchase by licensed employees, in consultation with administrative staff, school library staff, students or an ad hoc committee as appointed by the board.  The material recommended for purchase is approved by the appropriate building administrator.

                  1.       The materials selected will support stated objectives and goals of the school district.  Specifically, the goals are:

                            a.     To acquire materials and provide service consistent with the demands of the curriculum;

                            b.     To develop students' skills and resourcefulness in the use of libraries and learning resources;

                            c.     To effectively guide and counsel students in the selection and use of materials and libraries;

                            d.     To foster in students a wide range of significant interests;

                            e.     To provide opportunities for aesthetic experiences and development of an appreciation of the fine arts;

                            f.      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;

                            g.     To encourage life-long education through the use of the library; and,

                            h.     To work cooperatively and constructively with the instructional and administrative staff in the school.

                  2.       Materials selected is consistent with stated principles of selection.  These principles are:

                            a.     To select material, within established standards, which will meet the goals and objectives of the school district;

                            b.     To consider the educational characteristics of the community in the selection of materials within a given category;

                            c.     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 to minority groups and women - in art and science, history and literature, and in all other fields of life and culture.

                                      4.   Providing abundant recognition of minority groups and women by showing them frequently in positions of leadership and authority.

                            d.     To intelligently, quickly, and effectively anticipate and meet needs through awareness of subjects of local, national and international interest and significance; and,

                            e.     To strive for impartiality in the selection process.

                  3.       The materials selected will meet stated selection criteria.  These criteria are:

                            a.     Authority-Author's qualifications - education, experience, and previously published works;

                            b.     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.

                            c.     Treatment of subject-shows an objective reflection for the multi-ethnic character and cultural diversity of society.

                            d.     Language:

                                      1.    Vocabulary:

                                            a.   Does not indicate bias by the use of words which may result in negative value judgments about groups of people;

                                            b.   Does not use "man" or similar limiting word usage in generalization or ambiguities which may cause women to feel excluded or dehumanized.

                                      2.   Compatible to the reading level of the student for whom it is intended.

                            e.       Format:

                                      1.   Book

                                            a.   Adequate and accurate index;

                                            b.   Paper of good quality and color;

                                            c.   Print adequate and well spaced;

                                            d.   Adequate margins;

                                            e.   Firmly bound; and a 

                                             f.   Cost.

                                      2.   Nonbook

                                            a.   Flexibility, adaptability;

                                            b.   Curricular orientation of significant interest to students;

                                            c.   Appropriate for audience;

                                            d.   Accurate authoritative presentation;

                                            e.   Good production qualities (fidelity, aesthetically adequate);

                                            f.    Durability; and,

                                            g.   Cost.

                                      3.   Illustrations of book and nonbook materials should:

                                            a.   Depict instances of fully integrated grouping and settings to indicate equal status and nonsegregated social relationships.

                                            b.   Make clearly apparent the identity of minorities;

                                            c.   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.

                            f.        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.

                            g.       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 needs?

                                       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 is within the discretion of the board.

                  5.       In order to provide a current, highly usable collection of materials, teacher-librarians will ensure 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:                   6/10/75

Reviewed:                 10/19/15

Revised:                     10/7/99, 1/17/22, 8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.2 - INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS INSPECTION

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

Instructional and library materials may be viewed on school district premises.
The district will publish on the district’s website a comprehensive list of all books available to students in libraries operated by the school district.  

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

NOTE:  The federally funded programs portion of this policy is mandatory policy and reflects federal law on the subject of parental rights to inspect instructional materials.  

NOTE:  The publication requirement listed is a legal requirement.  Until July 1, 2025, if districts do not currently use electronic library catalogs, the district may request a waiver from the Department of Education from this requirement. 

Legal Reference:         Goals 2000:  Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994).

                                    Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14; 301 (1995).

Cross Reference:         602  Curriculum Development

                                    605  Instructional Materials

                                    901  Public Examination of School District Records

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised:                      8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3 - OBJECTION TO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations for reconsideration of instructional materials.  Information related to the process for reconsideration of instructional and 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 materials.] For 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. 

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy, including the language allowing parents or guardians to request their student not be provided with certain instructional materials.  The district is required to provide this policy and accompanying regulation/exhibits to parents at least annually either in paper or electronic form.   The board may edit the policy and regulation to reflect its philosophy, goals and practices.  

Legal Reference:         Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14; 301 (1995).

Cross Reference:         213    Public Participation in Board Meetings

                                    402.5  Public Complaints About Employees

                                    602    Curriculum Development

                                    605    Instructional Materials

Approved:                   6/10/75

Reviewed:                  10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised:                      6/14/84, 8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3E1 - 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 decision on the challenge.

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 new 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 continuously informed of the progress of the complaint.

The committee will listen to the views of all interested persons before reaching a decision.  In deliberating its decision, 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 committee's final decision.

Reviewed: 1/17/22

 

 

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3E2 - RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

RECONSIDERATION REQUEST FORM

Request for re-evaluation of printed or audiovisual 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                                                                        

Title ________________________________________________________________

Publisher (if known) ____________________________________________________

Date of Publication  ____________________________________________________

AUDIOVISUAL 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 ______________________________________________________

Address of Group ____________________________________________________

PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

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 of additional experts:                 

____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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        No    

(a)       If yes, please call the office of the Superintendent.

(b)        If yes, please be prepared at this time to indicate the approximate length of time your presentation will require.

              __________ minutes.                                                                                                                                           

                        Dated                                                                          Signature

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3E3 - 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.         Instructional Materials Selection 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,

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3E5 - REQUEST TO PROHIBIT A STUDENT FROM ACCESSING SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS EXHIBIT

 

Approved:  8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.3R1 - RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS REGULATION

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 principles of the freedom to read and of the professional responsibility of the staff must be defended, rather than the materials. 

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.

      (a) The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint shall be courteous, but make no commitments.  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.

      (b)  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.

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.

A.        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 primarily 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 but does not preclude those involved in the selection process from filing an objection.

2. Each attendance center and the school district's central administrative office will keep on hand and make available Reconsideration Request Forms.  Formal objections to instructional materials must be made on this form.

3.  The individual shall state the specific reason the instructional material is being challenged.  The Reconsideration Request Form shall be signed by the individual and filed with the superintendent.

4. The superintendent shall promptly file the objection with the reconsideration committee for re-evaluation.

5. Generally, access to challenged instructional material 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.

B.        The Reconsideration Committee

1.  The reconsideration committee shall be made up of seven members appointed annually by the board.

      (a)  Two licensed employees  nominated by the superintendent.  One shall be from K-6 and the other from 7-12.

      (b)  One media specialist nominated by the superintendent.

      (c)  One member of the administrative team nominated by the superintendent.

      (d)  Three members of the community.  The media specialist shall request that the following organizations each nominate one person to serve on the committee.  Committee member does not need to be a member of the organization.

• Crawfordsville Wednesday Study Club
• Olds American Legion
• Wayland Lions Club

2.  The committee shall annually select their chairperson and secretary from among the three community members.

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

4.  Special meetings may be called by the superintendent 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.

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 but is not limited to the following:

        (a)  Distribution of copies of the completed Reconsideration Request Form.

        (b)  An opportunity for the individual or a group spokesperson to talk about or expand on the Reconsideration Request Form.

        (c)  Distribution of reputable, professionally prepared reviews of the challenged instructional material if available.

        (d)  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 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 shall make its decision.  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 criteria for the final decision is the appropriateness of the material for its intended educational use.  The written recommendation and its justification shall be forwarded to the superintendent for appropriate action, the individual and the appropriate attendance centers.

Following the superintendent's decision with respect to the committee's recommendation, the individual who filed the complaint or the spokesperson for the group that filed the complaint, or the chairperson, on behalf the majority 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.

12.  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.

13. 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. 

14. 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.

15.  Committee members directly associated with the selection, use, or challenger of the challenged material may 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.

16.  Persons dissatisfied with the decision of the board may appeal to the Iowa Board of Education pursuant to state law.

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised:                     8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

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 economic ways to utilize instructional television, audiovisual materials, any multimedia, computers, and other technological advances as a part of the curriculum.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for the use of technology in the curriculum and to evaluate it annually.  The superintendent shall report the results of the evaluation and make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the use of technology in the curriculum.

Failure to abide by district policies and regulations regarding the use of technology and on-line resources may result in denial of these resources.  In addition, any student violation may result in discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion.  Any employee violation may result in discipline up to and including suspension and dismissal.  Violations of state or federal law or regulations may result in the filing of criminal charges.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.5(10), .5(22)

Cross Reference:         602    Curriculum Development

                                    605    Instructional Materials

 

 

 

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised:                      6/10/2002

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.5 - MEDIA CENTERS

The school district will 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.  This 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 established in board policy.  

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

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. 
 

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and reflects the educational standards.  Districts who do not currently have online library catalog software may request a waiver from the DE for the requirement to post a list.  Waivers may be accepted until July 1, 2025.

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.14; 256.7(24); 301 (2001).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(11).

Cross Reference:         602      Curriculum Development

                                    605      Instructional Materials

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                  10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised:                     8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.6E1 - ON-LINE ACCESS PERMISSION LETTER TO PARENTS

Your child has access to electronic communication known as the Internet.  The Internet is a collection of more than 20,000 interconnected computer networks.  The vast domain of information contained within Internet's libraries can provide unlimited opportunities to students.

Students will be able to access the Internet through their school issued individual student accounts and/or teacher accounts.  Individual electronic mail addresses will not be issued to students.  If a student already has an electronic mail address, he/she will not be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail at school.

Students will be expected to abide by the following network etiquette:

          ·           The use of the technology and on-line resources is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations.  As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks.  Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures.  Students will abide by the polices and procedures of these other networks.

    ·           Students will not violate school policies and regulations with respect to use of technology and on-line resources.

          ·           Students will respect all copyright and license agreements.

          ·           Students will correctly cite all quotes, references, and sources.

          ·           Students will only remain on the system long enough to get needed information and log off after each use.

          ·           Students must keep their passwords private and are accountable if someone else uses their password.  Students may request a new password at any time.

          ·           Students will apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.

          ·           Students will not have access to electronic mail on their own accounts.

          ·           Students accessing Internet services that have a cost involved will be responsible for payment of those costs.

Please sign the attached form if you would like your child to be granted Internet access and return the form to your child's school.

TECHNOLOGY AND ON-LINE RESOURCES PERMISSION FORM

Sign and return this form to school

Student Name  ___________________________________  Date: ___________________

Building:_________________________________________ Grade__________________

[  ]        Independent Usage --  I give permission for my child to be granted on-line privileges for independent usage.  I have read the policies and procedures set forth by the WACO Community School District and agree to abide by these provisions.  I understand that any violation of the provisions will result in the appropriate discipline as outlined in the "Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications" policy. I also agree to be responsible for any "Unauthorized Costs" incurred by the above student while using the Internet.

[  ]        Restricted Access --  Staff Supervision Only     I give permission for my child to be granted on-line privileges, only with direct staff supervision. 

[  ]        Denial of  Access      I request that my child be denied access to on-line resources while a student WACO Community Schools. 

(Parent or guardian signature) ______________________________ Date _________

 

I have read the policies and regulations for technology and on-line resources and agree to abide by these provisions.  I understand that violation of these provisions may constitute suspension or revocation of Internet privileges and/or computer usage.

I agree to be responsible for payment of costs incurred by accessing any Internet services that have a cost involved.

Student signature ___________________________________ Date __________

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.6E2 - TECHNOLOGY AND ON-LINE RESOURCES APPROPRIATE USE VIOLATION NOTICE

Student Name  ______________________________________ Date: ___________________

Administrator: ___________________________________________________

Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications:

Students who access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items, send messages with vulgar/abusive language while using technology and on-line resources, violate any federal or state law or regulation, violate any of the policies or regulations of the school, or attempt to access a personal e-mail account at school shall be subject to the following consequences:

1.      First Offense:

For the first violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Warning" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of three weeks.  A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.

2.      Second Offense:

For the second violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Second Infraction," notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of nine weeks. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.

3.      Third Offense:

On the third violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Third Infraction" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose all technology and on-line privileges.  A copy of notice will be sent by registered mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on filed in the building principal's office.

Any student who has lost his/her technology and on-line privileges by committing a "Third Offense", may at the beginning of the next regular school year petition the superintendent to have his/her technology and on-line privileges reinstated on a trial basis. A "trial basis" places a student on probation for one year. If during this one-year time period the student commits an additional offense, his/her technology and on-line privileges may be suspended for the remainder of his/her time as a student in WACO Community School District.

Alternative assignments will be made available to students who do not have access to technology and online service due to loss of privileges or parental denial.

In addition to the above sanctions, the school may impose discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion from school and/or the filing of criminal charges.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

605.6R1 - APPROPRIATE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND ON-LINE RESOURCES REGULATION

I.  Responsibility for Appropriate Use of Technology and On-Line Resources

1. The School Board is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the WACO Community School District.
2. The authority to supervise appropriate use of technology and on-line resources is delegated to school administrators and the trained staff employed by the school district.
3. Training in the proper use of technology and on-line resources will be provided to students.
4. All students are expected to practice appropriate use of the technology and on-line resources. Violations of appropriate use policies and regulations will result in disciplinary action.

II. Technology and On-Line Access

A.    For the purpose of WACO policies and regulations, technology and on-line resources are defined as the following:

·         Electronic hardware and software including, but not limited to, computers, keyboards and mice, monitors, disk drives, CD-ROMS, printers, scanners, projectors, digital cameras, related peripherals and all computer programs and data stored on disk drives and CD-ROMS.

·         Local and Wide Area Networks including network cards, cables, routers, switches, file servers, and the network administration and management software.

·         Internet is a collection of interconnected computer networks involving millions of computers and tens of millions of users around the world. It is a collaboration of private, public, educational, commercial, governmental and industrial sponsored networks whose operators cooperate to maintain the network infrastructure.

B.     Access to technology and on-line resources should be made available to students as a source of information.

C.     Students will be able to access technology and on-line resources through their individual school issued student account and/or teacher accounts.  An Internet account will give access to the World Wide Web.

1.      Making technology and on-line resource access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students.  However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials.  Because on-line information appears, disappears, and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. 

2.      It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to the rich learning opportunities using technology and on-line resources while we protect the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material.  The school district will use protection measures such as Internet filtering to protect students from inappropriate access.  In the event a site blocked by the Internet filter is deemed appropriate by a teacher for student use, the teacher may submit a request in writing (or by e-mail) to the technology coordinator to unblock that site.  In addition, a teacher may submit a request for authorization to download files from the internet.

3.      The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines requiring efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of network resources.

4.      In order to reduce unnecessary system traffic, users may use real-time conference features only with the approval of a school administrator and only for educational purposes.

5.      Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any district, local, state or federal law is prohibited.  Violators will be responsible for fines and fees related to the violation.

6.      The school makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.

III.             Permission to Use Technology and On-Line Resources

Annually, parents will grant permission for their student to use technology and on-line resources using the prescribed form.          

IV. Student Use of Technology and On-Line Resources

A.    Equal Opportunity

1.      Technology and on-line resources shall be available to students within the District through their individual student account and/or teacher accounts. The amount of time available to students may be limited by the number of available computers and the demand for use.

2.      Technology and on-line resources are shared by everyone using the network. It is important to follow proper procedures to insure the smooth operation of the network for everyone using it.

B.     Technology and On-line Resources Etiquette

1.      The use of technology and on-line resources is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations.  As users of technology and on-line resources, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks.

2.      Students should adhere to on-line protocol:

a.       Respect all copyright and license agreements.

b.      Correctly cite all quotes, references, and sources.

c.       Only remain on-line long enough to get needed information.

d.      Apply the same privacy, ethical, and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.

e.       Be polite to others.

f.       Inappropriate language is prohibited.

C.     Unacceptable Use of Technology and On-Line Resources

The transmission of any material in violation of federal or state law or regulation is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of copyrighted or trademarked material, threatening, violent or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. 

The list of prohibited activities includes, but is not limited to:

·         Damaging electronic hardware and software including, but not limited to, computers, keyboards and mice (including mouse balls), monitors, disk drives, CD-ROMS, printers, scanners, projectors, digital cameras, related peripherals and all computer programs and data stored on disk drives and CD-ROMS.

·         Using the technology resources for commercial purposes, product advertisement, non-approved game playing, and unauthorized chat room or chain letter communication.

·         Intentionally accessing, downloading, uploading or creating any unauthorized software, programs, text files, pictures, graphic files, sound files, or video files, or engaging in any form of communication that advocates violence, racism, anarchy, treason, discrimination or contains pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material. 

·         Network activities that use excessive resources in ways that prevent others from accessing the network.

·         Writing to system accounts other than the one assigned by the network administrator.

·         Downloading or accessing information that advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; encourages the use of tobacco, alcohol, or controlled substances, use of bombs or bomb making, other incendiary device, or otherwise promotes any activity prohibited by district policy, state, or federal law.

·         Forging or attempting to forge electronic messages including attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic messages of other system users.  Local, state, or federal laws may apply.

If inappropriate information is accessed unintentionally, the student must immediately report such unintentional access to the teacher or principal in order to avoid being found in violation of this regulation.

Acts of vandalism are prohibited.  Vandalism includes, but is not limited to, any attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, to intercept, copy, distribute, decrypt, or use the login names and/or passwords of others, to attempt to secure a higher level of network privilege, to damage hardware or software, to alter the normal performance of hardware or software, or to interrupt the smooth operation of the network.  This includes the intentional downloading or installation of computer viruses, applications intended to disrupt the operation of the network system, unauthorized use of another's computer, account passwords, and/or files.  Acts of vandalism may result in discipline up to and including suspension, expulsion, or the filing of criminal charges.

The district will cooperate with any investigation concerning or relating to the misuse of the district's technology resources.

D.    Unauthorized Costs

If a student gains access to any service via technology and on-line resources which has a cost involved, or if a student incurs other types of costs, the WACO Community School District will not be responsible for those costs. The student and/or the student's parent(s)/guardian will be responsible for those costs.

V. Student Violations; Consequences and Notifications:

Students who attempt to and/or access and/or download inappropriate/objectionable items, send messages with vulgar/abusive language while using technology and on-line resources, violate any federal or state law or regulation, violate any of the policies or regulations of the school, or access a personal e-mail account at school shall be subject to the following consequences:

1.      First Offense:

For the first violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Warning" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of three weeks.  A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.

2.      Second Offense:

For the second violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Second Infraction," notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose technology and on-line access for a period of nine weeks. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on file in the building principal's office.

3.      Third Offense:

On the third violation during the school's fiscal year (July 1-June 30), a verbal and written "Third Infraction" notice, using the prescribed form, will be issued to the student by the building principal's office. The student will lose all technology and on-line privileges.  A copy of notice will be sent by registered mailed to the student's parent/guardian by the building principal's office and a copy kept on filed in the building principal's office.

Any student who has lost his/her technology and on-line privileges by committing a "Third Offense", may at the beginning of the next regular school year petition the superintendent to have his/her technology and on-line privileges reinstated on a trial basis. A "trial basis" places a student on probation for one year. If during this one-year time period the student commits an additional offense, his/her technology and on-line privileges may be suspended for the remainder of his/her time as a student in WACO Community School District.

Alternative assignments will be made available to students who do not have access to technology and online service due to loss of privileges or parental denial.

In addition to the above sanctions, the school may impose discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion from school and/or the filing of criminal charges.

TECHNOLOGY CODE OF CONDUCT

WACO Community Schools

·         Students have the opportunity to access technology resources to facilitate diversity and personal growth in technology, information gathering skills, and communication skills.

·         Students have the opportunity to retrieve information using the Internet.

·         The student exercising his/her opportunity to use technology resources as an educational resource shall also accept the responsibility for all material received under his/her user account.  Only those students with prior experience or instruction shall be authorized to use technology resources.

·         Students have the responsibility to monitor all material received via technology resources.

·         Students will accept the responsibility of keeping unauthorized software of any kind from entering the school via technology resources.

·         Students will accept the responsibility of keeping all pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network from entering the school via technology resources.

·         The Technology Coordinator is responsible for monitoring usage of the network and is also responsible for informing the building principal of any suspected incorrect usage.  The building principal will conduct the investigation to determine if school policies or regulations have been violated.

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                 10/19/15, 1/17/22

Revised:                      6/10/2002

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

606.1 - CLASS SIZE - CLASS GROUPING

It shall be within the sole discretion of the board to determine the size of classes and to determine whether class grouping shall take place.  The board shall review the class sizes annually.

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.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Codes §§ 279.8; 280.3 (1995).

Cross Reference:         606.6  Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 2/21/22

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

606.2 - 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.

The district will provide and maintain a suitable flagstaff at each school site and raise the Iowa and United States flags each day as weather conditions permit.  The district will display the United States flag and administer the Pledge of Allegiance in each 1st through 12th grade classroom on school days. 

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.

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 Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         603    Instructional Curriculum

                                    604.5  Religious-Based Exclusion From A School Program

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15

Revised:                     2/21/22

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

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.

It shall be 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. 

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         507  Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15

Revised:                     2/21/22

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

606.4 - STUDENT PRODUCTION OF MATERIALS AND SERVICES

Materials and services produced by students at the expense of the school district are be 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 be the property of the student.

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

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         408.2  Licensed Employee Publication or Creation of

                                             Materials

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                  10/19/15, 2/21/22

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

606.5 - 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 most cases, the school district will provide transportation for field trips and excursions.  In some cases, students may be requested to contribute toward the cost of the trip.

In authorizing field trips and excursions, the principal shall consider the educational benefit of the activity, the financial condition of the school district, the inherent risks or dangers of the activity, and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent.  Written parental permission will be required prior to the student's participation in field trips and excursions. Board approval will be required for field trips and excursions which involve unusual length or expense.

Field trips and excursions are to be arranged with the principal well in advance.  A detailed schedule and budget must be submitted by the employee.  The school district will be responsible for obtaining a substitute teacher if one is needed.  Following field trips and excursions, the teacher may be required to submit a written summary of the event.

NOTE:  This is not a required policy but one that is recommended.  The board may need to amend it to reflect current practice.

Legal Reference:         390 C.F.R. Pt. 390.3(f) (1993).

                                    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 43.9.

Cross Reference:         503.1  Student Conduct

                                    503.4  Good Conduct Rule

                                    603    Instructional Curriculum

                                    711    Transportation

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                  10/19/15, 2/21/22

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

606.6 - INSUFFICIENT CLASSROOM SPACE

It is the goal of the district to create learning environments that encourage the growth and development of each student.  Providing classrooms with an appropriate student-teacher ratio is central to achieving this goal.  Insufficient classroom space exists when conditions in the district adversely affect the implementation of the district's goal and its educational program.  

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.

NOTE:  This is a policy mandated by Iowa's open enrollment law and reflects the requirements of the law.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 282.18(13) (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 17.6(3).

Cross Reference:         103     Educational and Operational Planning

                                    501.15  Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a

                                               Receiving District

                                    606.1   Class Size - Class Grouping

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15

Revised:                     2/21/22

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

607.1 - 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.

NOTE:  Although it is not mandated to have a guidance counselor, it is required that a counseling program exist.  This is a mandated policy and reflects the educational standards.  For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, Vol. 14 #3- June 27, 2001.

Legal Reference:          Iowa Codes § 280.14; 256.7(24); 622.10 (2001).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); .5(21).

Cross Reference:         506      Student Records

                                    603      Instructional Curriculum

                                    604.5   Program for At-Risk Students

Approved:                   11/4/99

Reviewed:                   10/19/15, 2/21/22

Revised:                     

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

607.2 - 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.

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.

Note:    This is a mandatory policy.  If a school district will be using federal money to perform physical exams or screenings on students, the school district must annually notify parents of the exam or screening except for hearing, vision or scoliosis.  The following language is suggested;

“The school district will annually notify parents of physical exams or screenings conducted on students except for vision, hearing or scoliosis.”

Legal Reference:    42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et  seq. (1997).  20 U.S.C. 1232g § 1400 6301 et seq. (1997). 29 U.S.C. § 794(a)(1988)  28 C.F.R. 35, 34 C.F.R. pt. 99, 104, 200, 300 et seq. (1999)

Iowa Codes §§ 22.7, 139A.3. .8, .21; 143.1, 152, 256.7(24), .11, 280.23 (2001). 281 I.A.C. 12.3(4), (7), (11); 12.4(12); 12.8; 41.12(11), .96. 282 I.A.C. 15.3(14); 22.  641 I.A.C. 7.  655 I.A.C. 6, 6.3(1), 6.3(6), 6.6(1), 7.

Cross Reference:   501.4         Entrance - Admissions

                              507            Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                     11/4/99

Reviewed:                     10/19/15, 2/21/22

Revised:                        11/12/2001, 8/21/2023

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM 

607.2R1 - STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES REGULATIONS