1. Supports and is compatible with instructional objectives of existing classroom curricula.

Transcription

1 5001 Distance Learning Policy I. PHILOSOPHY The Community Schools of Frankfort utilizes distance learning technology to enhance and expand educational opportunities in grades K-12. Distance learning refers to the use of technology to receive instructional programs originating from distant sources. Distance learning includes satellite transmissions and cable-accessed programs presented live or in videotaped form. Direct interaction between student and teacher is an essential component of quality education. Therefore, the classroom teacher has the primary responsibility for delivering instruction. The intent is, however, to promote the instructional opportunities available through distance learning, as well as ensure that distance learning technology is used for sound educational purposes. II. USE OF DISTANCE LEARNING TO ENHANCE CURRICULUM Educational programs may be enhanced through the use of high-quality, curriculum-related distance learning. Distance learning that enhances curriculum is utilized on an intermittent basis. Distance learning programs should instill within youth the values, character, citizenship, and knowledge that will help them to understand and live in our society. Distance learning is selected relative to the specific classroom in which it will be used. Distance learning intended to enhance curriculum should meet the following criteria: 1. Supports and is compatible with instructional objectives of existing classroom curricula. 2. Enlarges the resources and teaching methods available for instruction of existing classroom curricula. 3. Content level is appropriate for the intellectual level and maturity of the targeted students. 4. Time required to implement the distance learning is appropriate for the age of the students and the amount of information to be presented. 5. Content of distance learning is accurate and information presented is current and up-to-date. 6. Content of distance learning promotes responsible citizenship and character development in students, and where applicable, encourages the acceptance of people of different races, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Curriculum/Instruction 5001 (Page 1)

2 Distance Learning Policy page 2 Use of Cable Programming: Teachers use professional judgment in integrating cable programming into the curriculum and are responsible for the content of cable programs viewed in the classroom. The use of live or videotaped cable programming by a classroom teacher to enhance current curriculum involves the following procedures: 1. Teacher agrees to follow established distance learning selection criteria in choosing cable programs for classroom use and signs "Cable Programming Use Agreement" form. 2. Teacher submits signed "Cable Programming Use Agreement" form to building principal and keeps copy for future reference. Use of Satellite Programming: Teachers use professional judgment in integrating satellite programming into the curriculum and are responsible for the content of satellite programs viewed in their classrooms. Use of satellite programming by classroom teachers to enhance current curriculum involves the following procedures: 1. Classroom teacher completes "Satellite Programming to Enhance Curriculum" registration form. Submit registration form to building principal. 2. Submit registration form with principal's signature to distance learning coordinator. Coordinator will register the classroom for the distance learning program with the appropriate network and make arrangements to receive and/or videotape the broadcast(s). III. USE OF DISTANCE LEARNING TO EXPAND CURRICULUM Distance learning may expand the existing curriculum by providing instructional opportunities on a regular basis that are not available with current educational materials and/or personnel. Distance learning opportunities added to the curriculum should instill within students the values, character, citizenship, and knowledge that will help them to understand and live in our society. Distance learning is selected relative to the specific classroom in which it will be used. Distance learning intended to expand or supplant the existing curriculum should meet the following criteria: 1 a. Program presents existing subject matter in an alternative and/or innovative way. -orb. Program meets an identified educational need not currently being met through existing curriculum. 2. Content level is appropriate for the intellectual level and maturity of the targeted students. Curriculum/Instruction 5001 (Page 2)

3 Distance Learning Policy page 3 3. Time required to implement the distance learning is appropriate for the age of the students and the amount of information to be presented. 4. Content of distance learning is accurate and information presented is current and up-to-date. 5. Content of distance learning promotes responsible citizenship and character development in students, and where applicable, encourages the acceptance of peoples of different races, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Use of distance learning by classroom teachers to expand or supplant existing curriculum involves the following procedures: 1. Classroom teacher completes "Distance Learning to Expand or Supplant Curriculum" application. Submit application to building principal for approval. 2. Submit application form with principal's approval to superintendent. 3. After reviewing the "Distance Learning to Expand or Supplant Curriculum" application, the superintendent may request approval from the Board of School Trustees. 4. After approval by superintendent and/or Board of School Trustees, the application form is forwarded to distance learning coordinator if registration is required. Coordinator will register the classroom for the distance learning course with the appropriate network and make arrangements to receive and/or videotape the broadcasts. 5. After completion of distance learning experience, the classroom teacher completes evaluation section of "Distance Learning to Expand or Supplant Curriculum" application. Submit one copy to building principal and one copy to superintendent. IV. PROCEDURE FOR RECONSIDERATION OF DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM Since opinions vary, criticism or objections to the most carefully selected distance learning program may occur. The following reconsideration procedures should be strictly adhered to when a complaint is filed. 1. A complaint regarding a distance learning program should be forwarded to the principal of the involved building, who will first try to resolve the complaint informally. 2. If an individual wishes to file a formal complaint, a distance learning reconsideration form must be requested from the building principal. 3. The building principal will notify the superintendent that a reconsideration form has been requested. Curriculum/Instruction 5001 (Page 3)

4 Distance Learning Policy page 4 4. Upon receipt of a completed reconsideration form, the principal of the building involved will request review of the challenged program within 15 school days. The principal will chair an ad hoc reconsideration committee comprised of the teacher involved in the challenged program, two other teachers (appropriate grade level and subject area), and two school patrons. The superintendent will be informed of the committee's formation. 5. During the reconsideration process, the challenged program will remain available to faculty and students, unless the building principal deems otherwise. 6. The reconsideration committee will follow these steps when reviewing material. a. View the distance learning program in its entirety. Consideration should be given to the program as a whole, not to passages taken out of context. b. Consult the school policy for distance learning selection criteria. c. Upon request, the complainant may speak to the committee regarding the challenged program. d. Based upon the information presented, the committee will determine if the challenged program complies with the adopted selection policy. e. The committee will prepare a written report of their findings and decisions. Copies of the reconsideration form and the written report will be submitted to the reconsideration committee members, the complainant, and the superintendent. 7. If the complainant does not agree with the outcome of the initial findings, an appeal may be requested. The appeal must be made in writing to the superintendent within five (5) school days after receipt of the initial findings. The superintendent will review the reconsideration form and the findings of the committee. The superintendent will arrange to meet with the complainant, the building principal, and the teacher involved in the distance learning program before handing down a decision. Written copies of the superintendent's decision will be submitted within ten (10) school days after receipt of the appeal to the building principal, the teacher involved, and the complainant. If the complainant does not agree with the superintendent's decision, an appeal may be made to the Board of School Trustees. The appeal must be made in writing within five (5) school days after receipt of the superintendent's findings. The Board of School Trustees will hear the appeal within 30 calendar days after receipt of the written request. If the complainant does not agree with the decision of the Board of School Trustees, the complainant may request that his child(ren) be given an alternative assignment/activity when the challenged program is viewed. Such request must be made in writing to the building principal, who is responsible for seeing that alternative assignments/activities are provided. Approved: Curriculum/Instruction 5001 (Page 4)

5 COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OF FRANKFORT DISTANCE LEARNING RECONSIDERATION FORM Program Title: Satellite Program Cable Program Source of Program: School Where Program is Utilized: Class: Teacher: Reconsideration Initiated By: Address: Phone: Representing Self: Group: Please answer all questions. 1. What brought this program to your attention? 2. Have you viewed this program in its entirety? 3. What do you believe is the main idea of this program? 4. For what age level do you feel this program is appropriate? Curriculum/Instruction 5001 (Page 5)

6 3. Please cite your specific objections to this program. State the reasons for your objections. 6. What do you feel might be the result of continued use of this program? 7. What, if anything, have you read or heard about this program? State your sources. 8. What would you like to see done about this program? 9. What program of equal value and similar format in this subject area would you suggest if an alternative is considered? Signature: Date: Curriculum/Instruction 5001 (Page 6)

7 COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OF FRANKFORT CABLE PROGRAMMING USE The classroom teacher has the primary responsibility for delivering instruction. Therefore, teachers are responsible for the content of cable programming viewed in their classrooms, except when mandated by the corporation. Live or videotaped cable programming must be selected relative to specific classrooms using the adopted selection criteria for distance learning programs. Any complaints concerning cable programming should be forwarded to the building principal and handled through the adopted procedures for reconsideration of distance learning programs. DISTANCE LEARNING SELECTION CRITERIA Distance learning intended to enhance curriculum should meet the following criteria: 1. Supports and is compatible with instructional objectives of existing classroom curricula. 2. Enlarges the resources and teaching methods available for instruction of existing classroom curricula. 3. Content level is appropriate for the intellectual level and maturity of the targeted students. 4. Time required to implement the distance learning is appropriate for the age of the students and the amount of information to be presented. 5. Content of distance learning is accurate and information presented is current and up-to-date. 6. Content of distance learning promotes responsible citizenship and character development in students, and where applicable, encourages the acceptance of peoples of different races, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. TEACHER'S SIGNATURE I acknowledge that I have read and understand the corporation's Distance Learning Selection Policy as stated above. Signature of Teacher Date School Building Curriculum/Instruction 5001 (Page 7)