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, 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, 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 (6 units), social studies (5 units), mathematics (6 units), science (5 units), health (1 unit), physical education (1 unit), fine arts (3 units), foreign language (4 units), financial literacy (1/2 unit)  vocational education (12 units) and computer science (1/2 unit).

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: 12/10/2019                         
Reviewed:12/10/2019                          
Revised:12/10/2019

The Edgewood-Colesburg School District recognizes the importance of ongoing learning opportunities for students. As such, the district shall offer summer school instruction in accordance with the following:

• • Beginning in the summer of 2017, the district shall offer, unless a waiver from this requirement is granted by the Iowa Department of Education, an intensive summer literacy program for students assessed as exhibiting a substantial deficiency in reading. The applicable legal requirements for the intensive summer literacy program, including, but not limited to those relating to criteria and notification, shall be followed.
• • 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.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to 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: 03/31/1986                         
Reviewed: 12/10/2019                         
Revised: 12/10/2019

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 board policy 505.5 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

Adopted:               03/03/1986
Reviewed:             12/10/2019
Revised:                02/19/2001

Students will have an equal opportunity for a quality education without discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, color, gender, creed, 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 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 (2007).
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.5(8).

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

Adopted:         06/08/1967
Reviewed:       12/10/2019
Revised:          11/15/2010

Code No. 603.5

Health Education

Students in grade levels one through twelve will receive, as part of their health education, instruction about personal health; food and nutrition; environmental health; safety and survival skills; consumer health; family life; human growth and development; substance abuse and non-use, including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and poisons on the human body; human sexuality; self-esteem; stress management; interpersonal relationships; emotional and social health; health resources; prevention and control of disease; and communicable diseases.  The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve and maintain physical, emotional and social well-being.

The areas stated above 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; .80; 280.3-.14.

281 I.A.C. 12.5.
 

Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

603 Instructional Curriculum

607 Instructional Services

Adopted: 11/15/1999

Reviewed: 08/15/2023

Revised: 08/15/2023

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 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,

• the student is participating in the Legislative Page Program at the state capitol for a regular session of the general assembly; or
• the student is enrolled in a junior reserve officer training corps

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 (1997).

                                                281 I.A.C. 12.5

Cross Reference: 504 Student Activities

                                603 Instructional Curriculum

Adopted:               11/15/1999
Reviewed:             12/19/2022

Revised:                 12/19/2022

Preparing students for careers is one goal of the education program.  Career education will be infused into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve.  This education shall include, but not be limited to, awareness of self in relation to others and the needs of society, exploration of employment opportunities, experiences in personal decision-making, and experiences of integrating work values and work skills into their lives.

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

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11, 280.9 (1989)
                                      670 Iowa Administration Code 3.5 (9)
                                      281 Iowa administration Code 12.5 (7) (new standards)

Cross Reference:  Instructional Curriculum

Adopted:               03/03/1986
Reviewed:             12/10/2019

Since the contribution of religions to civilization is one of the crucial keys to understanding human history and development, the study of religious history and traditions should be part of the school curriculum, and can play a vital role in enhancing and understanding among people of different religious background and beliefs.  Such study should give neither preferential nor derogatory treatment to any single religion or to religion in general, and should not be introduced or utilized for devotional purposes.  Furthermore, no religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by the school district or its employees.

Criteria used to guide academic inquiry in the study of religion should seek the same objectivity and educational effectiveness expected in other areas of the curriculum.  In addition, materials and activities should be sensitive to America’s pluralistic society and should educate rather than indoctrinate.  All instructional and other school-sponsored activities should meet the three-part test established by the Supreme Court to determine constitutionality:  (1) the activity must have a secular purpose; (2) the activity’s principle or primary effect must be one that neither advances or inhibits religion; and (3) the activity must not foster an excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

Written guidelines should be provided for use in planning and conducting studies and activities that have a relationship to religion.  The guidelines should be general enough to allow flexibility, yet specific enough to encourage consistency.

Adopted:               03/30/1986
Reviewed:             12/10/2019

The Board believes students should have an opportunity to reach their own decisions and beliefs about conflicting points of view.  Academic freedom is the opportunity of licensed employees and students to study, investigate, present, interpret, and discuss facts and ideas relevant to the subject matter of the classroom and appropriate to and in good taste with the maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities of the students.

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

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

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3, .6 ( 1997)

Cross Reference:  Students Rights and Responsibilities
                                      Instructional Curriculum
                                      Distribution of Materials

Adopted:               11/15/1999
Reviewed:             12/10/2019

Because of our growing interdependence with other nations in the world, global education shall be incorporated into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve so students have the opportunity to acquire a perspective on world issues, problems, and prospects for an awareness of the relationship between an individual’s self-interest and the concerns of people elsewhere in the world.  Global education, in the education program is the lifelong growth in understanding, through study and participation, of the world community and the interdependency of its people and systems--social, cultural, racial, economic, linguistic, technological, and ecological.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§256
                                      281 Iowa Administrative Code 12.5 (11) (new standards)

Cross Reference:  Career Education
                                      Curriculum Development

Adopted:               07/17/1989
Reviewed:             12/10/2019
Revised:                                ????????

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

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.11,
                                     281 I.A.C. 12.3 (8)

Cross Reference:  Educational Philosophy of the School District
                                     Students Rights and Responsibilities
                                     Student Discipline

Adopted:               11/15/1999
Reviewed:             12/10/2019
Revised:                ??????????????

The Board of Directors believes that a dynamic program of student activities is vital to the complete development of the student.  Such activities offer opportunities to serve the institution, to assist in the development of fellowship and social goodwill, to promote self realization and all-around growth, and to encourage good citizenship qualities.

To assist in the administration of a student activities program, and to provide a framework of communication and review, the administration will develop a detailed structure of the activities program, and compile it in an operating procedures manual.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Section 280.12
                                      Iowa Administrative Code:  3.5(2); 3.6 (1-8)

Cross Reference:  Student Activities and Sub codes

Adopted:               03/03/1986
Reviewed:             12/10/2019

The Board of Directors of the district recognizes that the general objectives of post-high school and adult education programs are the same as those of other levels of public education:  preparing individuals for democratic citizenship, providing individuals with means for economic improvement and cultural development, and enriching of the personal lives of all who participate.

The post-high school and adult education programs shall be administered by the administrative staff of the school system.

The physical facilities of the school district shall be made available for use in these programs when there is no conflict with regular school activities.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Chapter 276; 288.1

Cross Reference:  Community Education
                                      Use of School Facilities, and Sub Codes

Adopted:               03/03/1986
Reviewed:             12/10/2019

Because it recognizes that learning is a life-long activity, the Board of Directors supports the concept of community education.  Because school facilities belong to the people, they will be made available whenever they are not being used for the district’s regular program-day and night, year-round, including weekends and during school vacation-for educational, recreational, cultural, and other community services and programs for all age, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups residing in the community.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Chapter 276

Cross Reference:  Adult Education
                                      Use of School Facilities, and Sub Codes

Adopted:               03/03/1986
Reviewed:            12/10/2019