Strafford R-VI School District Policy Manual

Strafford R-VI School District Early Childhood Center Elementary School Middle School High School

SECTION I: INSTRUCTION

Part 1

FILE: IA
Basic

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS/PRIORITY OBJECTIVES

The educational goals for the Strafford R-VI School District focus on the student and address quality in education. The goals are relevant to the lives of students of any age, whether in formal institutions of learning, programs of continuing education or any learning environment. The goals adopted by the school district correspond closely to those that have been established for all Missouri schools by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The four categories of goals may be related to formalized school experiences or individual attainment. Regardless of the language, responsibility is placed upon both the school and the student. Appropriate outcomes necessitate that citizens, educators and especially the students make wise use of available resources. The goals are intertwined; no one goal stands apart from the rest. These goals help define performance objectives for students, identify tasks to be performed by teachers in giving life to those objectives, and help determine means for evaluating student progress.

Intellectual Development

It is the goal of the district that each individual will have the opportunity to develop intellectual ability to developmental capacity. The development of intellectual ability should include the acquisition of knowledge as well as the creative ability to process and use that knowledge. To acquire the desired knowledge and fundamental intellectual processes, the Board of Education believes that each individual should become proficient in communication, quantitative thinking, social processes, scientific understanding, decision making and aesthetic appreciation.

Physical Development

It is the goal of the district that each individual will have opportunity to develop knowledge, understanding and/or skills in the process of physical growth and maturation, health and recreation to the extent of developmental ability.

Social Development

It is the goal of the district that each individual will have the opportunity to develop social skills to the extent of developmental ability. These skills should be related to the individual's physical and social environment, cultural awareness, governmental institutions, avocational pursuits, and concept of self.

Career Development

It is the goal of the district that each individual be provided systematic and sequential activities at all levels to facilitate educational and occupational decision making appropriate to maturation. Career development should include all aspects necessary in developing a way of life. These activities should be related to the social significance of work, occupational exploration, occupational preparation and adult occupational education.

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FILE: IA

Basic

Organization of Instruction

The organization of instruction is designed to meet the standards established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Adopted: December 21, 1995

MSBA - 5/95

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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FILE: IB

Basic

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Academic freedom is the right and responsibility of educators and students to study, investigate, present, interpret and discuss all facts and ideas relevant to the subject matter of the classroom and appropriate to the maturity and the intellectual and emotional capacities of the students.

It is the intention of the school district to preserve and clarify the academic rights and responsibilities of the district's teachers, within the scope of the curriculum, and to strive toward the free exchange of ideas in the classroom. To further the exchange of ideas, the teacher may employ subject matter appropriate to the level of the learner, in keeping with the mores of the community, and may use teaching methods and teaching aids deemed appropriate in conduct of the class.

Academic freedom is not to be interpreted as promoting ideologies and philosophies which are contradictory or diametrically opposed to the mores and values of the community as interpreted by the Board of Education.

Adopted: January 21, 1993

Cross Refs: INB, Teaching About Controversial Issues

INC, Controversial Speakers

MSBA - 10/92

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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FILE: IC

Critical

ACADEMIC CALENDAR/YEAR/DAY

State law requires the district to set a district start date and establish an academic calendar that provides for a minimum of 174 days and 1,044 hours of actual pupil attendance between July 1 and June 30.

The Board recognizes the relationship between attendance and student achievement and directs the superintendent to develop an academic calendar designed to improve student achievement, exceeding the minimum requirements if necessary. The academic calendar will include sufficient time for high-quality professional development. The superintendent will present the proposed academic calendar for the next year to the Board in March. The presentation will include an explanation of how the calendar relates to improving student achievement, how the proposed calendar assists the district in meeting its Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) goals and the budget recommendations necessary to support the proposed calendar.

In accordance with Missouri law, the Board will post notice of and hold a public meeting to discuss and vote on the district's start date if that proposed date is earlier than ten (10) calendar days prior to the first Monday in September. An affirmative vote of a majority of the Board is required to set a start date more than ten (10) calendar days prior to the first Monday in September. The Board will adopt an academic calendar not later than May 1. Upon Board approval of the academic calendar, the superintendent will distribute copies to the staff and appropriately notify parents/guardians and students.

The academic calendar will include six (6) make-up days for possible loss of attendance due to inclement weather as defined in state law. If the district uses these six (6) make-up days and still does not meet the minimum attendance requirements, it shall be required to make up no more than half the number of days canceled in excess of six (6) days.

Days that the district's schools are closed for reasons other than inclement weather will be made up in accordance with state law, as recommended by the superintendent and approved by the Board.

Academic Day

Unless otherwise exempted by law, the academic day will be at least three (3) but not more than seven (7) hours long. For the purposes of determining the length of an academic day, the district defines an hour as time that students are under the guidance and direction of teachers in the teaching process. The length of the academic day may vary by building or grade level subject to recommendation by the superintendent and approval by the Board. The specific daily opening and closing time for individual schools may vary to facilitate the scheduling of the district's transportation program.

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For Office Use Only: IC-C.1G (12/07) Page 1

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Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information.

Adopted: April 19, 2004

Revised: May 15, 2008

Cross Refs: EBC, Emergency Plans/Safety Drills

Legal Refs: '' 160.011, .041, 163.021, 171.031, .033, RSMo.

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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For Office Use Only: IC-C.1G (12/07) Page 2

FILE: IF
Critical

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

The Board of Education recognizes that curriculum development provides one of the most effective means of improving the quality of instructional programs and must be adjusted to meet the needs of the students as well as the expectations of the community. The superintendent will initiate a curriculum development program, which will require various administrative and instructional staff participation at building and district levels as well as involvement from parents/guardians, members of the community and students. The Board will review and approve each curriculum guide developed by the district.

The district will provide resources and administrative support for curriculum development, evaluation and revision. A systematic plan will be established whereby each curricular area will be reviewed regularly, based on actual student needs and indications of student mastery. The basic responsibility for this review process will rest with the superintendent, with assistance from the building principals. Individuals who are well qualified in a designated area of study will be appointed by the superintendent or his or her designee to a curriculum review committee for the designated curricular area.

The curriculum review committee will study, revise and/or develop curriculum programs and guides for its specific area of study. During the review process the committee may solicit community and student opinion relative to the content area. The committee should develop a curriculum project that meets the following guidelines:

Ø Articulates the curriculum content on a districtwide basis, K-12.

Ø Is written in specific terms and can be used by the respective professional staff members.

Ø Uses effective methods for presenting the materials to the students.

Ø Uses instructional materials that are effectively coordinated with the curriculum guides and programs.

Ø Makes use of current supplementary and enrichment materials.

The selection and adoption of instructional materials are primarily based on the programs described in the curriculum guides developed by the individual curriculum review committees. The curriculum review process should be completed the year prior to the fiscal year where funds are allocated to purchase instructional materials related to the curriculum content area developed.

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For Office Use Only: IF-C.1D (8/01) Page 1

FILE: IF

Critical

Note: The reader is encouraged to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information in support of this policy area.

Adopted: October 18, 2001

Cross Refs: IIA, Instructional Materials

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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For Office Use Only: IF-C.1D (8/01) Page 2

FILE: IGA

Critical

BASIC INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

The educational program of the Strafford R-VI School District will provide for both formal studies to meet the general academic needs of students, as well as opportunities for individual students to develop specific talents and interests in the performing arts, practical arts, vocational-technical education and other specialized fields.

The various instructional programs offered by the district will be developed with the view toward maintaining a balanced and sequential curriculum that will serve the educational needs of all school-aged children in the district. The curriculum will also meet requirements established by state law, the Missouri State Board of Education and/or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. A written curriculum guide for all subject areas will be developed by the staff and reviewed and approved by the Board.

The Board of Education is committed to educational excellence through the development of communication and computational skills among the district's students. The Board will adopt specific requirements to ensure that high school graduates are sufficiently competent in these important skills. The instructional program will also provide a planned sequence in the language arts, social studies, the sciences, fine arts, industrial and practical arts, health and safety education, vocational-technical education and physical education. At all levels, provisions will be made for a wide range of individual differences in student abilities and learning rates through the use of a variety of materials, adjustments in programs, and courses adapted to special needs of students.

The ultimate aim of the instructional program will be the development of proficiency in each pupil's ability to read well, write legibly, spell accurately, listen attentively, speak clearly, think critically, use basic mathematical/computational skills, observe carefully, solve problems, participate effectively in groups, keep healthy, enjoy aesthetic experiences, and develop interest in and/or start career development.

Any instructional program which is required by state or federal law will be provided to students, and procedures will be developed to ensure requirements are met.

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Note: The reader is encouraged to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information in support of this policy area.

Adopted: October 18, 2001

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For Office Use Only: IGA-C.1D (8/01) Page 1

FILE: IGA

Critical

Cross Refs: IKF, Graduation Requirements

Legal Refs: §§ 161.102, 167.268, 168.171, 170.011, .015, .041, RSMo.

Mo. Const. art. 1, §§ 5-7

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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For Office Use Only: IGA-C.1D (8/01) Page 2

FILE: IGAC

Critical

TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION

Pursuant to state and federal law, the Strafford R-VI School District may teach about religion but may not promote any particular religion or religious belief.

No course or portion of any course taught in the district will have the primary purpose or effect of illegally advancing or inhibiting religion.

Nothing in this policy is to be construed as inhibiting otherwise constitutionally protected religious expression by any individual.

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Note: The reader is encouraged to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information in support of this policy area.

Adopted: April 19, 2004

Legal Refs: Mo. Const., Art. I, §§ 5-7

U.S. Const., Art. I

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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For Office Use Only: IGAC-C.1D (8/03) Page 1

FILE: IGAD

Critical

OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION

Career Education

The Board recognizes that career education is a developmental process designed to help students prepare for life roles in the family, the community, occupations and avocations. The Board also recognizes that the development of career education enables students of all ages to examine attitudes, interests, aptitudes and abilities in order to relate them to career opportunities, and to make valid decisions regarding further education and future endeavors.

Therefore, the Board will provide career education for students at all levels of instruction. Career education in the elementary schools shall consist of career awareness and the exploration of career opportunities in various fields. At the secondary level, it will incorporate career exploration, career guidance, and vocational training opportunities, with the latter designed to equip students to enter post-secondary training for occupational areas, and/or enter specific occupations directly out of high school.

Vocational Education

Vocational training programs shall be an integral part of the comprehensive high school concept in the school district. Efforts will be made to keep vocational programs relevant to job requirements, and reflective of area needs, as well as being geared to the current and future technological and economic conditions. These programs shall provide students with the basic skills to enter the world of work, to obtain additional vocational skills and/or to continue their formal education. Vocational education, as a core component of comprehensive education, will share with other aspects of the high school curriculum in the development of character, attitudes and work skills.

District vocational programs shall meet all federal and state guidelines and requirements. Advisory councils will be utilized in all vocational programs.

Following the concept of area vocational-technical schools as established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, students from the Strafford R-VI School District may attend vocational-technical training programs at the Area Vocational-Technical facility.

Adopted: August 18, 1994

Legal Refs: §§ 178.420 - .560, RSMo.

MSBA - 5/94

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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FILE: IGADA

Critical

WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES

The Strafford R-VI School District may operate cooperative educational programs in the district's high school. Work experience opportunities may include vocational distributive education, vocational supervised office experience, and other similar programs.

In all instances, programs offering practical work experience will be organized and conducted solely for the purpose of providing the students valuable career exploration or training experience. Programs shall be flexible so that pupils may easily make the transition from school to a job or back to the regular school program. Federal and state requirements pertaining to the employment of minors will be observed, and funded programs will meet federal and state guidelines.

Adopted:

Cross Refs: CGC, State and Federal Programs Administration

IGAD, Occupational Education

JK, Employment by Students

Strafford R-VI School District, Strafford, Missouri

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FILE: IGADB

Basic

WORK STUDY PROGRAM

The work-study program is designed to be utilized by students who are seen as having school-to-work transition difficulties, for students where academic programming is not appropriate, and for students who need to enhance their job skills or economic situations.

Objectives

The objectives of the work-study program are to develop skills needed to succeed in the work of work, to aid the student in the transition to work, and to provide an alternative to regular academic programming.

Qualifications

To qualify for the work-study program the student must have met the requirements for graduation or be currently enrolled and have good standing in the courses needed for completion of graduation requirements, have on file a work-study training agreement plan and an approved work-study application, and parental permission when under the age of 18.

The student must:

1. Be sixteen years of age or older and enrolled as a senior.

2. Have a good standing in all course work.

3. Not have excessive absenteeism.

4. Have an acceptable work related attitude.

5. Have employment with an approved employer.

6. Have appropriate transportation for traveling to and from the work-study employment.

7.Havecomplied with any union involvement or regulations for apprenticeship ormembership if it applies to the selected occupational training.