TC-7000-1

7000—INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

 

7040                            Hours of Instruction

7050                            Curriculum Development (Cf. 5140)

                                       Curriculum Adoption

                                       Technology

                                       Resources

                                       Distance Learning

                                       Personnel

                                       Materials

                                       Financial

                                       Planning

                                       Research

                                       Pilot Projects

                                       Pilot Project Evaluation

                                       Federal Compliance

                                       Curriculum Adoption

7110                            Basic Program

                                       Drug Education

                                       Communicable Disease Instruction

                                       Career Education

                                       Homebound Instruction

7112                            Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities

7140                            Dropout Prevention Program

                                       Philosophy

                                       Goals and Objectives

7145                            Student Suicide Awareness and Prevention

7160                            Special Education Services

7170                            Federal Program Administration

                                       Title I Programs

7175                            Parent(s)/guardian(s) Involvement Policy - Title I Programs

                                       Written Plans/Policies

 Migrant Education Program (MEP) Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Involvement

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Involvement

7210                            Interscholastic Athletics

                                       Coaches

                                       Physicals

                                       Membership In MHSAA

7350                            Instructional Resources

                                       Technology

 

 

 

 

TC-7000-2

 

7380                            Instructional Program Prohibitions (Cf. 8940)

7400                                                        Library/Media Resource Center

7410                            Complaints About Curriculum and Instructional Materials

7430                            Federal Program Administration

                                       Title I Programs

7463                            Use of Commercially Produced Video Recordings

7490                                                        Field Trips and Excursions

7500                            Guidance Program  

7580                            Homework

7600                                                        Promotion and Retention 

                                       Elementary and Middle School Levels

                                       High School Level

                                       Acceleration

7620                            Graduation Requirements

7640                                                        Transfer of Credit

                                       Transfer from Home Schooling or Other Institutions

7650                            Testing Program

                                       Test Selection and Adoption

                                       Test Administration

                                       Use and Dissemination of Test Results

                                       Student Assessment

                                       Testing Out

7760                            Controversial Issues

7765                            Controversial Speakers

7770                            Teaching About Religion

7800                            School Ceremonies and Observances

                                       Opening Exercises

                                       Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs

                                       Federal Requirements

7900                            School Improvement

                                       School Improvement Committees

                                       Data Collection/Assessment

                                       Meetings

                                       Review


7040    Hours of Instruction                                                                                              7040

            The number of days and hours of student instruction shall be determined annually by the Board.  The Board recognizes that adjustments in both the number of hours of instruction and the school calendar may be necessary due to individual student needs, factors beyond local control, or other reasons which are in the best interests of the District.  It shall be the Superintendent’s responsibility to approve variations in an individual student’s hours of attendance and to act on matters deemed as emergencies and in the best interest of the District.  Other variations in the school day or school year may be approved.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:


7050    Curriculum Development (Cf. 5140)                                                                     7050

The administration, with the cooperation of the certified staff, shall develop a comprehensive curriculum K-12 which is based on valid educational research and which encompasses a philosophy of education compatible with the needs of the student, the resources of the District, and the State of Michigan.

The administration shall evaluate the curriculum of the District in view of the Board’s goals and objectives on a periodic basis.  The findings, conclusions and recommendations of the staff shall be transmitted to the Board.

Technology

The Board supports the use of computers and related technology to enhance classroom instruction.  The use of computers and related technology should significantly increase the opportunity for the expansion of student reasoning and thinking ability, the improvement of the management and delivery of instruction to all students and other uses in support of the Board approved curriculum.

Resources

The administration is encouraged to utilize any available resource in the development of a comprehensive curriculum.

Distance Learning

The administration is encouraged to explore the possibilities of various "distance learning" instructional tools to enhance the curricular offerings of the District including, but not limited to:  Teleconferencing, web based instruction, satellite transmissions, and interactive CD-ROM's.  Any such distance learning efforts will be appropriately piloted before being incorporated into the curriculum on a regular basis.  All distance learning efforts will comply with applicable collective bargaining agreements.

 

 

 

7050    Curriculum Development (Cf. 5140)                                                                  7050-2

Personnel

The Board encourages the use of District personnel as well as resource personnel from outside the District in the development of comprehensive curriculum and related materials.

            Materials

The Board recommends that the administration utilize and develop materials, which will aid in the development of curriculum to be approved by the Board for use in the District.

Financial (Cf. 3200)

The Board encourages the Superintendent to continuously investigate the availability of other-than-District funds to defray expenses incurred in the development of a District-wide curriculum.

Planning

The Board advocates a policy of continuous curriculum study. The Superintendent is encouraged to utilize resource personnel in a manner consistent with Board policies.  The Superintendent is also encouraged to use District patrons and students in a manner consistent with these policies.

The Superintendent shall have the responsibility to organize the certified staff in appropriate committees to plan, study, modify, change or develop a District-wide curriculum.

Research

The administration shall develop a research and evaluation program, which will provide the Board with data to be used in the development of curriculum areas.  The use of research findings of other agencies, departments, colleges and universities is encouraged by the Board.

 

7050    Curriculum Development (Cf. 5140)                                                                  7050-3

Pilot Projects

The use of pilot projects is encouraged by the Board before District-wide implementation of any curriculum area is initiated.

All instructional material, including teacher’s manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary instructional material which will be used in connection with any research or experimentation program or project, shall be available for inspection by the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student engaged in such program or project.  For the purpose of this policy, research or experimentation program or project means any program or project in any applicable program designed to explore or develop new unproved teaching methods or techniques.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the administration can take whatever measures are required to ensure the integrity and validity of tests given under the pilot program.

Pilot Project Evaluation

Before any pilot project proposal is submitted to the Board for approval, an evaluation format shall be developed and included with the pilot project. 

Federal Compliance

To comply with the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act, the Superintendent will, in writing, inform the professional staff of the federal requirements concerning sex education and the prohibitions and restrictions concerning distribution of contraceptives or materials that encourage sexual activities.  The District will comply with federal guidelines concerning age appropriate sex education.

The Superintendent will ensure that any programs for limited-English proficient students have a primary goal of mainstreaming those students into the regular classrooms, and that those programs emphasize English language instruction.

 

7050    Curriculum Development (Cf. 5140)                                                                  7050-4

Curriculum Adoption

No course of study shall be eliminated or new course added without approval of the Board, nor shall any basic alteration or reduction of a course of study be made without such approval.

 

Approved:        March 10, 2003

LEGAL REF:   20 USCA 7906 (NCLB); MCL 380.1282.

 

 

 


 

7110    Basic Program                                                                                                      7110

The Board shall establish and periodically reconsider the core curriculum or basic program for the District.  Handbooks outlining any course offered in the District should be approved by the Superintendent, subject to Board review, in advance of the school year in which the courses are to become operative.

            Drug Education

            A comprehensive program outlining the effects of drugs will be developed by the administrative staff.  The use by the administrative staff of resource materials developed by local, state and federal agencies is encouraged.

            Communicable Disease Instruction

            The school curriculum shall include the teaching of the Principal modes by which dangerous communicable diseases, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are spread and the best methods for the restriction and prevention of such diseases.

Career Education

            The Board believes that schools should provide education that is pertinent to the practical aspects of life and that prepares students to make the transition from the school setting to the world of work.  The Board therefore supports the inclusion of career education in the basic curriculum.

            Career education is a program that allows students to gain career awareness and to explore career opportunities in order to gain a broad base on which to make a decision about their life’s work.  Career education will be included at all levels.  At the secondary level, it will incorporate career exploration, career guidance, and vocational training


 


7110    Basic Program                                                                                                  7110-2

opportunities, with the latter designed to equip students to enter post training for occupational areas and/or enter specific occupations directly out of high school.

            Homebound Instruction

            It is the responsibility of the District to educate all school-age children who are located within the District.  Therefore, if a student is unable to attend school because of lengthy illness or other causes, he/she may obtain homebound instruction in accordance with the regulations developed by the administrative staff.

 

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:                                                                                                                               

LEGAL REF:   MCL 380.1282 (Curriculum Determination); 380.1151 (Basic Language); 380.1152; 380.1153; 380.1155; 380.1157 (Bilingual Education); 380.1166 (Civics and Government); 380.1169-1170 (Communicable Diseases); 380.1506 (Sex Education); 380.1170; 257.811 (Drivers Education; AG Opinion #5659).  State Board of Education Administrative Rules, R 325.1-52; 325.898 and 325.1491 (Communicable Diseases), and R 388.301-339 (Drivers Education); AG Opinion #5291, #5659; MCL 380.1289; 380.1316; 722.901-909; 380.1278 (Core Curriculum)


7112    Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities                                                             7112

            The Principal shall coordinate the extracurricular program or designate a staff member to assume this responsibility.

            All new extracurricular activities shall be approved by the building Principal and recommended to the Superintendent for his/her approval.  All recommendations to the Superintendent shall include a statement of purpose of the activity, potential membership to be served, and potential financial obligations which the Board might have to assume from general school funds.

            A faculty sponsor, if available, shall be appointed for each activity within the provisions of the master agreement.

            Membership and participation in all activities shall be voluntary and limited to students enrolled in the schools.  Students shall have the right to participate in all extracurricular activities without discrimination.

            Every effort should be made to keep extracurricular activities from unduly interfering with the regularly scheduled school day and to provide a balanced program of appropriate academic studies and activities for each student.

            The administration shall develop rules and regulations covering extracurricular activities in individual buildings.  Such rules shall list responsibilities of students and advisors or chaperones.  All activities sponsored by school groups must be adequately supervised and all Board policies and administrative regulations regarding student and teacher conduct, use of facilities, use of transportation, and all other applicable policies and regulations must be adhered to.

 

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:


7140    Dropout Prevention Program                                                                                7140

Philosophy

The Board endorses special programming efforts geared to enticing students who are in danger of becoming dropouts back to learning.

The Board desires to provide students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) with an understanding and appreciation of the need for academic learning and relate academic learning to work experience.  This can be accomplished both outside the school in cooperation with business and industry and within the school in simulated experiences.  Students must know how to read and communicate if they are to succeed in the business world.

Goals and Objectives

The Board shall combine academic study with the stimulation and challenges necessary to engage the minds of all students and with the variation of pace, topic, and activity important to sustaining their interest.

The major goals of the District’s dropout prevention program shall be to:  identify individual needs at the earliest stage and provide instruction designed to improve and expand basic reading, writing, and speaking skills so that every student is capable of keeping up with his/her classmates throughout his/her school career; develop an incentive and reward system which reinforces pride in academic achievement and replaces the expectation of failure to prevent in the dropout scenario; offer a teaching and counseling curriculum designed to provide students graduating from high school with valuable skills, career direction, and the possibility of future employment; encourage high risk students to participate in school activities in order to combat the school isolation common to dropouts; and communicate with parent(s)/guardian(s) and students regarding the value of education in their lives.

 

 

7140    Dropout Prevention Program                                                                             7140-2

The Superintendent shall incorporate the philosophy and goals of this policy into the school setting.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:


7145    Student Suicide Awareness and Prevention                                                           7145

The Board directs the Superintendent to develop and implement a comprehensive and continuing student suicide awareness and prevention program for the entire District.  Since the necessary professional expertise to carry out such a program adequately may not be available within the school system, it also directs the Superintendent to identify a community mental health agency able to provide the necessary assistance and to establish a continuing cooperative relationship with them in this effort.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:


7145-R      Student Suicide Awareness and Prevention                                                 7145-R

The Board directs that the program developed help the District’s staff, parent(s)/guardian(s), and student to:

a.      Understand the developmental stages of student growth and the causes of student  suicide;

b.      Recognize the early warning signs of student suicide;

c.      Learn to help in a suicidal crisis;

d.      Identify community resources and procedures that can help a suicidal person; and

e.      Address the repercussions of such a tragedy.

The Superintendent shall review and keep current appropriate regulations and procedures for the implementation of the program and ensure their dissemination to staff, students, and parent(s)/guardian(s).

Such regulations and procedures shall:

A.     Ensure the short-term physical safety of the students by:

1.      Securing immediate medical treatment where a suicide attempt has occurred;

2.      Securing police and/or other emergency assistance where a suicidal act is being actively threatened;

3.      Keeping a student under continuous adult supervision when a suicidal act is less actively threatened, but is a serious possibility; and

4.      Monitoring student’s actions where an unsuccessful suicidal act has been reported or threatened.

B.      Communicate with appropriate school personnel, parent(s)/guardian(s) and local support personnel and establish an interim plan of action by:

1.      Notification of one or more of the following:  counselor, school psychologist, nurse, Principal or other building administrator, and the central office administration;

 

7145-R      Student Suicide Awareness and Prevention                                              7145-R-2

2.      Contact by designated school professional with parent(s)/guardian(s);

3.      Contact by designated school professional of other local support personnel, including police, counseling agencies, or private therapist; and

4.      The determination of an interim plan of action through which the school can transfer responsibility for the student’s welfare to the parent(s)/guardian(s), and/or the appropriate support agent or agency.

C.     Refer to appropriate professional or agency and implement a long-term plan of action by:

1.      Follow-up of interim plan;

2.      Strong recommendation that parent(s)/guardian(s) contact one or more of the local help agencies; and

3.      Timely follow-up on the part of designated school professional regarding the parent(s)/guardian(s) and student contact with the local agent or agency.

The intent of the above guidelines is to emphasize the District’s role in being sensitive to “at-risk” students.  In each situation, staff members need to be fully aware of how to get help immediately.


7160    Special Education Services                                                                                   7160

            The Board, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), and the implementing regulations of these acts, is committed to providing a free, appropriate public education to each qualified handicapped/disabled student within its jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the handicap/disability.

            The District’s administrative procedures establish the means by which the District shall meet this commitment.

            This policy and the administrative procedures have been developed and adopted for the purpose of complying with the District’s educational services obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, IDEA and the implementing regulations of these acts and they are not designed nor intended, nor should they be construed, to grant broader rights or remedies.  The Board policy and administrative procedures do not, and should not be construed to, create rights or remedies enforceable in contract or by any law other than Section 504, IDEA, and the implementing regulations of these acts.

            The District’s administration may issue interpretative memoranda and adopt directives and procedures to implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, IDEA, Board policy and administrative procedure.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF:   Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975; MCL 380.4(2), 380.6(7); 380.1311; 380.1702; 380.1703; 380.1711; 380.1751; 380.1766; State Board of Education Regulations; R 340.1701-1809


7170    Federal Program Administration                                                                            7170

Federally funded programs are a vital and necessary adjunct to the educational program of the District's schools.

Title I Programs

The Board shall ensure that the District's Title I programs operate in accordance with federal laws and conditions. The Superintendent is responsible for administering the District's Title I programs; assessing the educational needs of all students, particularly the needs of educationally deprived children, developing appropriate communication channels between all parties, developing in‑service training for parent(s)/guardian(s) and staff, and developing appropriate evaluation procedures.  The requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act shall be followed, and rules and regulations promulgated to ensure that the District is in compliance.

 

 

 

Approved:        March 10, 2003          

LEGAL REF:   20 USCA 6316, 20 USCA 6318 (No Child Left Behind Act)
7170-R   Federal Program Administration                                                                     7170-R

The Board strongly encourages parental/guardian involvement in the District's Title I program. The administration shall design a program that will encourage parental/guardian participation that may include, but not be limited to, the materials: providing parent(s)/guardian(s) with information concerning current Title I law, regulations, and instructional programs; and training programs to instruct parent(s)/guardian(s) how to become involved in their child's Title I program.

In order to fully meet the federal guidelines established for Title I programs, the administration shall: Provide timely notification to parent(s)/guardian(s) about their child's Title I selection, instructional objectives, progress reports, achievement levels on state academic assessments as soon as possible after the test is taken, and parental/guardian recommendations; establish dates and sites for parent(s)/guardian(s)‑teacher conferences; help promote parental/guardian participation in school activities; consult with parent(s)/guardian(s) about how the District can work with parent(s)/guardian(s) to achieve Title I program objectives; and solicit parent(s)/guardian(s) suggestions in the planning, development, and operation of the program.

Each school served by a Title I program shall schedule an annual meeting at a convenient time for the purpose of providing parent(s)/guardian(s) of Title I students an opportunity to participate in the design and implementation of the Title I program and to provide information concerning the right of parent(s)/guardian(s) to be involved.  All parent(s)/guardian(s) of Title I students shall be invited to this meeting.

The Board strongly encourages parental/guardian involvement in the District's Title I program.  The Board shall design a program that will encourage parental/guardian participation that may include, but not be limited to, the following activities:  providing parent(s)/guardian(s) with access to meeting space and materials; providing parent(s)/guardian(s) with information concerning current Title I law, regulations, and


7170-R    Federal Program Administration                                                               7170-R-2

instructional programs; and training programs to instruct parent(s)/guardian(s) how to become involved in their child’s Title I program.

In order to fully meet the federal guidelines established for Title I programs, the Board shall:  provide timely notification to parent(s)/guardian(s) about their child’s Title I selection, instructional objectives, progress reports, and parental/guardian recommendations; establish dates and sites for parent(s)/guardian(s)-teacher conferences; help parent(s)/guardian(s) promote a child’s education at home by providing suggestions, educational materials, and training programs; help promote parental/guardian participation in school activities; designating parent(s)/guardian(s) coordinators in the District; and establish parent(s)/guardian(s) advisory councils in order to consult with parent(s)/guardian(s) about how the District can work with parent(s)/guardian(s) to achieve Title I program objectives, and solicit parent(s)/guardian(s) suggestions in the planning, development, and operation of the program.

 

 

 


7175    Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Involvement Policy - Title I Programs                                  7175

In accordance with the requirement of the No Child Left Behind Act, the Kalkaska Public Schools’ Board of Education encourages parent(s)/guardian(s) participation in Title I programs. Parent(s)/guardian(s) must be offered substantial and meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children. 

The Board directs that the following actions be implemented to insure compliance with federal law:

·        The involvement of parent(s)/guardian(s) in the planning, implementation and

evaluation, and improvement of Title I programs/services through participation on building School Improvement Teams;

·        Invitations to parent(s)/guardian(s) to attend at least an annual meeting, with additional meeting opportunities being available as needed, designed to provide Title I information and program services, and to solicit parent(s)/guardian(s) suggestions on program development, planning, evaluation and operation;

·       Assistance to parent(s)/guardian(s) in understanding Title I, including the providing of information in a language understandable to the parent(s)/guardian(s) if practicable;

·       Parent(s)/guardian(s) notification of Title I student selection and criteria for selection;

·       Information regarding child's achievement and progress;

·       A provision for input by Title I staff at regularly scheduled parent(s)/guardian(s)-teacher conferences and any additional communication as requested by the Title I staff or parent(s)/guardian(s);

·       Opportunities to enhance parent(s)/guardian(s) capacity to work with children in the home on school learning;

 

7175    Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Involvement Policy - Title I Programs                               7175-2

·       Professional development opportunities for teachers and staff to enhance their understanding of effective parent(s)/guardian(s) involvement strategies;

·       Ongoing communication between school and parent(s)/guardian(s);

·       Other appropriate activities (i.e. Family Math Nights, parenting/guardian sessions, science, theatre, etc.)

Written Plans/Policies

The Kalkaska Public School District, as a recipient of Title I funds, hereby adopts the following policy statement regarding the development of a District-wide plan for parental/guardian involvement in the development of a Title I plan, and directs the administration to:

·        Involve parent(s)/guardian(s) in the development of the plan;

·       Develop a plan that provides for the involvement of parent(s)/guardian(s) in the Title I activities of the school;

·      Provide the necessary technical, research, staff and administrative support to schools in the planning and implementing of effective parental/guardian involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance;

·       To integrate and coordinate the plans/policies for parental/guardian involvement in Title I programs with parental/guardian involvement in other programs, including but not limited to Head Start;

·      To review and evaluate the District’s plan annually and to share the results of that review and evaluation with the Board;

 ·       To assure that the policy/plan contains a compact that outlines how parent(s)/guardian(s), the school staff and students will share the responsibility of improved student achievement; and,

 

7175    Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Involvement Policy - Title I Programs                               7175-3

·       To distribute the District plan to parent(s)/guardian(s) of participating children and to the local community.

Migrant Education Program (MEP) Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Involvement

            Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of students in the MEP will be involved in, and regularly consulted, about the development, implementation, operation and evaluation of the program.

            Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Involvement

            In accordance with federal law, parent(s)/guardian(s) of LEP students will be provided notice regarding their child’s placement in and information about the District’s LEP program.  Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be notified about their rights regarding program content and participation including the right to choose among programs if alternatives are available.  The notice must also include an explanation of the value of the program in terms of academic development, mastery of English, and the achievement of promotion and graduation standards.  The notice will also include an explanation of the right to remove the child from an LEP program and to place the child in the regular program.  The notice must be in a format that families can comprehend and, if possible, in a language that is understood by the family.

 

  

Approved:        March 10, 2003

LEGAL REF:  20 USCA 6318 (No Child Left Behind Act)


7210    Interscholastic Athletics                                                                                         7210

The Board is committed to providing equal opportunity to compete in interscholastic athletics for both boys and girls and directs its Superintendent and those responsible for athletic programs to recommend programs which will meet this goal.

The Board District recognizes that competing in athletics is not a right but a privilege, and expects athletes to assume their responsibilities in adhering to the athlete code of conduct which shall be published in the student handbook.  Athletes who fail to abide by this code of conduct may lose their privilege to participate in athletics.

All interscholastic activities recognized and approved by the Board shall follow the guidelines established by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

Coaches

It shall be the Board’s policy to employ qualified coaches and, to the extent possible, secure them from the school’s teaching faculty.  If it is necessary to secure persons from outside the staff, the Superintendent shall recommend only those persons who are qualified to coach the sport.

Coaching personnel shall be recommended by the Superintendent to the Board for approval.

Physicals

No student may practice for any athletic team until he/she has been examined and approved by a medical doctor for competition and until written consent to participate in the specific sport has been obtained from the parent(s)/guardian(s).  Parent(s)/Guardian(s) consent will not be necessary for students who have reached their 18th birthday.  Students shall also comply with the District’s requirement relative to insurance before participating.

A student who is under a doctor’s care for illness or injury shall not be allowed to participate in an athletic practice or contest until he/she has written permission from the physician to do so.


 

7210    Interscholastic Athletics                                                                                     7210-2

Membership in Michigan High School Athletic Association

The Board shall annually enroll the District’s high school as a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).  It is further the intent of the Board to accept the constitution and bylaws the MHSAA and adopt as its own the rules and regulations of the association as minimum standards.

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:


7350    Instructional Resources                                                                                         7350

Classroom Materials

Each building Principal will submit an instructional materials budget to the Superintendent each year at a time designated by the Superintendent.  The instructional materials budget shall be compiled by the Principal from requests submitted by each teacher.

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