EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Basic Instructional Program                                                                                                                                                                                        Code No.  603.1

 

 

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

The basic instructional program of students enrolled in grades one through six will include language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, family and consumer science, career, technology education, physical education, music, social emotional learning, 21^st century skills, and visual art.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades seven and eight will include language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, family and consumer science, career, technology education, physical education, music, and visual art.

The basic instructional program of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve is outlined in policy 505.5 Graduation Requirements and includes English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, physical education, fine arts, foreign language, financial literacy, and vocational education.

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

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

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

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:  December 10, 2019

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.

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

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Summer School Instruction                                                                                                                                                                                         Code No.  603.2

 

 

The Board, at its discretion, may offer summer school for one or more courses and student activities for students who need additional help, instruction, or for enrichment in those areas.  This decision is within the discretion of the Board.  Upon receiving a request for summer school, the Board will consider 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.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:  December 10, 2019

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .11; 280.3, 282.6; Iowa Admin. Code 41.106.

Cross Reference:  410.2 Summer School Licensed Employees; 603 Instructional Curriculum; 711.4 Summer School Program Transportation

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Special Education                                                                                                                                                                                                           Code No.  603.3

 

 

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 the least restrictive environment as determined by the IEP team.  The appropriate education for each student is written in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The District shall maintain policies and procedures to meet Least Restrictive Environment requirements, as specified in federal and state rules. To the maximum extent appropriate, children and students with disabilities shall be educated with children who are nondisabled; and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children and students with disabilities from the general education environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes, with the use of supplementary aids and services, cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

Special education students are required to meet the requirements stated in Board policy or in their IEP’s for graduation.  It is the responsibility of the Superintendent and the Area Education Agency Director of Special Education to provide or make provision 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.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:  December 10, 2019

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

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Multicultural/Gender Fair Education                                                                                                                                                                           Code No.  603.4

 

 

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, 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, 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.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:  December 13, 2016

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

EDUCATION PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Health Education                                                                                                                                                                                                   Code No.  603.5

 

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.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  January 16, 2024

Revised:  December 10, 2019

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

 

EDUCATION PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Physical Education                                                                                                                                                 Code No. 603.6

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 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:

Excusal #1 - the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available

Excusal #2 - a student in grades 9-11 who is participating in an organized and supervised athletic or activities program (which requires at least as much participation per week as one-eighth unit of physical education) and be sponsored by the school district, at some time during the trimester in a school year, the student’s principal may excuse the student from physical education for one trimester per year, after consultation with the student’s guidance counselor.  The student must fill the PE period with another academic class or work based learning opportunity.  This excusal must be requested by the parent, in writing.  If the student withdraws from the activity, the student must enroll in physical education.

A student in grade 12 who is participating in an organized and supervised athletic program or marching band program (which requires at least as much participation per week as one-eighth unit of physical education), be sponsored by the school district, and at some time during the trimester in a school year, the student’s principal may excuse the student from physical education for each trimester which the students activity qualifies, after consultation with the student’s guidance counselor.  The student must fill the P.E. class period with another credit bearing class or work based learning opportunity.  This excusal must be requested by the parent, in writing.  If the student withdraws from the activity, the student must enroll in physical education.

• To be eligible for excusal # 2, the activity must equal or exceed 900 minutes in a trimester.  If the activity does not equal or exceed 900 minutes in a trimester, parents are not eligible to request this excusal for their student.
• Approved activities include: football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, track, marching band, tennis, soccer, golf and swimming.
• The activity must be sponsored by the school district and be supervised by an appropriately licensed and endorsed school staff.
• Students wishing to have a sport/activity considered for this excusal should submit in writing their practice schedule along with a written request to the OHS principal.

Excusal #3 - a student may also be excused from physical education courses if the student is enrolled in a cooperative, work based learning, participating in the legislative page program, enrolled in a junior reserve officer training corps, or other educational program authorized by the school which requires the student’s absence from school.

All graduation requirements for physical education must be met.  An excusal from physical education is not an exemption from the required PE credits.

Students who will not participate in physical education must have a written request or statement from their parents.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  February 11, 2020

Revised:  October 12, 2021

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

Cross Reference:   504 Student Activities; 603 Instructional Curriculum

EDUCATION PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Career Education                                                                                                                                                                                                            Code No.  603.7

 

 

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.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:

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

Cross Reference:  603 Instructional Curriculum

EDUCATION PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Teaching About Religion                                                                                                                                                                                                Code No.  603.8

 

 

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.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:

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

EDUCATION PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Academic Freedom                                                                                                                                                                                                        Code No.  603.9

 

 

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.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:

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

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

EDUCATION PROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Global Education                                                                                                                                                                                                           Code No.  603.10

 

 

Because of our growing interdependence with other nations in the world, global education is incorporated into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve.  Students will 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.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:  December 10, 2019

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

Cross Reference:  602 Curriculum Development; 603 Instructional Curriculum

EDUCATIONAPROGRAM

Series 600

 

Policy Title:  Citizenship                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Code No.  603.11

 

 

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.  Instruction will include opportunities to learn about the Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights, the Amendments, and the Declaration of Independence.

 

Approved:  February 24, 2004

Reviewed:  December 10, 2019

Revised:  December 10, 2019

Legal References:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 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