603.1 - Basic instruction

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

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

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, and visual art.

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), and vocational education (12 units).

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.

NOTE:  This policy reflects the educational standards.

 

 

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C. § 1232h (2004).
   
                                34 C.F.R. Pt. 98 (2004).
     
                                  Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 256.11; 279.8; 280.3-.14 (2007).
   
                                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

Approved     6-20-2011                                                        
Reviewed    7/18/2016         
Revised