603 - Instructional Curriculum

603 - Instructional Curriculum dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 10/17/2023 - 17:43

603.01 - Basic Instruction Program

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

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

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

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

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve will include English-language arts (8 credits), social studies (6 credits), mathematics (6 credits), science (6 credits), health (1 credit), physical education (1 credit), financial literacy (1 credits), technology (1 credit), and electives (18 credits)

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

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

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

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232h
34 C.F.R. Pt. 98
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 256.11; 279.8; 280.3-.14.
281 I.A.C. 12.5; 11.

Cross Reference:   102   Equal Educational Opportunity
103   Long-Range Needs Assessment
505   Student Scholastic Achievement
602   Curriculum Development
603   Instructional Curriculum

Approved 6/21/2021
Reviewed 7/15/2024
Revised 7/15/2024

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 10/17/2023 - 17:43

603.02 - Summer School Instruction

The [insert school district name] recognizes the importance of ongoing learning opportunities for students. As such, the district shall offer summer school instruction in accordance with the following:

The board, in its discretion, may offer summer school for one or more courses and student activities for students who need additional help and instruction or for enrichment in those areas. Upon receiving a request for summer school, the board will weigh the benefit to the students and the school district as well as the school district's budget and availability of licensed employees to conduct summer school.

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

The superintendent may develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3; 282.6.
281 I.A.C. 41.106.

Cross Reference: 410.2                                  Summer School Licensed Employees
                                       505.2                      Student Promotion – Retention – Acceleration
                                     603                                      Instructional Curriculum
                                       711.4                       Summer School Transportation

Approved      6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 10/17/2023 - 17:44

603.03 - 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 are required to meet the requirements listed for special education students in IASB sample policy 505.5 – Graduation Requirements and 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 and related services.

Children from birth through age 2 and children age 3 through age 5 are provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school district 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.

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.
34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq.
Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.1, .2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8.
281 I.A.C. 41.109; 41.404

Cross Reference: 503                                      Student Discipline
505.5                              Graduation Requirements
506                                      Student Records
507.2                              Administration of Medication to Students
507.8                              Student Special Health Services
601.1                                  School Calendar
603                                      Instructional Curriculum

Approved     6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 10/17/2023 - 17:46

603.04 - Multicultural/Gender Fair Education

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

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 256.11.
281 I.A.C. 12.5(8).

Cross Reference: 102 Equal Educational Opportunity
600 Goals and Objectives of the Education Program

Approved      6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:37

603.05 - 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 are included in health education and the instruction are 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 will 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.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11; 279.8; 280.3-.14.
281 I.A.C. 12.5.

Cross Reference: 502                                      Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                        603                                      Instructional Curriculum
                                        607                                      Instructional Services

Approved      6/21/21
Reviewed       7/17/23
Revised     7/17/23

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:38

603.05E1 - 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.

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/will 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/Guardian)

Signed: _________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
(School Administrator)

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:39

603.06 - Physical Education

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

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

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

∙ the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available, or

∙ the student has obtained a physical education waiver for a semester 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 must have a written request or statement from their parents.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 256.11
281 I.A.C. 12.5.

Cross Reference: 504 Student Activities
603 Instructional Curriculum

Approved    6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:41

603.07 - 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 will include, but not be limited to, awareness of self in relation to others and the needs of society, exploration of employment opportunities, experiences in personal decision-making, and experiences of integrating work values and work skills into their lives.

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 280.9.
281 I.A.C. 12.5(7).

Cross Reference: 603 Instructional Curriculum

Approved     6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:42

603.08 - 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 will not take place.

It is 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.

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; 280.6.

Cross Reference: 603        Instructional Curriculum
                                       604.5    Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program
                                       606.2   School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved       6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:43

603.08R1 - 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 will take into account major celebrations of several world religions, not just those of a single religion. Holiday-related activities will be educationally sound and sensitive to religious differences and will be selected carefully to avoid the excessive or unproductive use of school time. Teachers will 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) will be permitted if presented in an objective manner without sectarian indoctrination. The emphasis on religious themes is only as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study or presentation. Religious content included in student performances is selected on the basis of its independent educational merit and will seek to give exposure to a variety of religious customs, beliefs and forms of expression. Holiday programs, parties or performances will 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) are 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 is permitted in composition, art forms, music, speech and debate. However, teachers may not require projects or activities which are indoctrinate or force students to contradict their personal religious beliefs or nonbeliefs.

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:44

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

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3, .6.

Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
603 Instructional Curriculum
903.5 Distribution of Materials

Approved    6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:45

603.09R1 - 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 is the responsibility of the instructor 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 is 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 is 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 will 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.

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:46

603.10 - Global Education

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11
281 I.A.C. 12.5(11).

Cross Reference: 602 Curriculum Development
603 Instructional Curriculum

Approved     6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:46

603.11 - Citizenship

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

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 12.5(3)(b)-(5)(b).

Cross Reference: 101 Educational Philosophy of the School District
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline

Approved 6/21/21
Reviewed
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:47

603.12 - Postsecondary Education Counseling

The district believes in the importance of education to shape the lives of all students. Some students may consider postsecondary education and training beyond their secondary education, and have questions related to the cost of education programs and the future employability of graduates. It is valuable for students who express an interest in postsecondary education to make informed decisions related to their future options.

The district will ensure that the students in grades eleven and twelve who express interest in postsecondary education will be provided with basic information to assist in their decision-making. This information includes but may not be limited to:

A link to the annual report published by the State Board of Regents pursuant to Iowa Code 262.9(38); and
a link to the Iowa Student Outcomes internet site maintained by the Department of Education.

If the district employs a college and career transition counselor, this staff member will provide the information to interested students. If the district does not employ this type of counselor, the superintendent will designate a staff member to ensure this information is provided to interested students.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code: § 279

Cross Reference: 603.07

Approved    7/15/2024
Reviewed    7/15/2024
Revised    7/15/2024

susan.larson@f… Thu, 07/25/2024 - 11:03