INDEX 400 SERIES
INSTRUCTION

400 Vision and Mission (Philosophy)
401 Instructional Goals
402 Evaluation of Instructional Programs

403 Mission Statement for the Athletic Department
405 Special Education Services
410 Homebound Instruction
415 School Calendar
425 Library Bill of Rights
426 Biased Materials
427 Sensitive Instructional Materials and Guest Speakers
428 Textbook Selection
430 Controversial Materials, Methods and Issues
431 Religion in the Schools
435 Testing Program of the School District
436 Personality Tests
440 Selection of Equipment, Books, Materials
455 Pledge of Allegiance
456 Flag Display
460 Administration of Medication at School
465 Communicable Diseases
466 Bloodborne Pathogens
475 Adherence to Copyright
476 Use of District Computers
477 Curriculum Design
478 Curriculum Adoption

479 Acceleration of Eighth Grade Students

Vision and Mission 400                                                                  TOP

Philosophy

The Taos Municipal Schools recognize that rare is the journey without first knowing the destination; therefore, a philosophy, a blueprint, is needed. We speak the same language with other American schools in that we have general agreement that the curriculum should consist of real basic experiences of life and that basic experiences cannot be determined except through consideration of the group at hand. We agree that education is a growth process of the whole individual, including mental, moral, spiritual and physical development. The school philosophy regarding the educational program takes into consideration the individual’s interest and needs, recognizes his/her capacity and is built upon participation and not passive assimilation.

The philosophy of the Taos Municipal Schools encompasses the “Planning for American Youth” statement that schools such as ours must plan to meet the needs of all youth and that every youth should attend school until his eighteenth birthday, or until he/she has completed high school.

Instructional Goals 401-1                                                             TOP

Capital Improvements
Identify capital needs and develop capital improvement plan.

Site Based Management
Implement site based management with regard to budget, personnel, and program.
Initiate program based budgeting in school programs.

Improvement of Instructional Practice
Improve instructional practice of teaching staff by creative, aggressive recruitment, quality professional development and comprehensive evaluation.

Implement and support the academy model at every level at the high school.

Improve program at Taos High School.

Improve program at Taos Middle School.

Improve reporting to parents regarding graduation requirements through semester reports included on report cards and counselors.

Charter Schools
Improve integration and communication with charter schools.

Technology-professional development, hardware, access
Continue to support hardware maintenance and acquisition through technology levy.
Support professional development in use of technology.

Supervision
Implement cost and time accounting for all employees except teachers.


Included with Board goals are the seven points of the Superintendent’s Performance Based Contract:

1. Specify plan to make improvements at Taos High School.
2. Reduce the size of administrative staff.
3. Develop and implement a plan for “site-based” management.
4. Improve staff evaluations, including all principals and a comprehensive evaluation of all staff.
5. Restructure the Director of Instruction’s job duties so that this person can work more on instructional issues.
6. Develop a national teacher recruitment plan.
7. Plan for any budget shortfall.


Evaluation of Instructional Programs 402                                 TOP

The Board recognizes that education is a continuous process that can only be satisfactorily achieved with the coordination and cooperation of all components of the entire system. To achieve the highest quality of education on all levels, an audit of the educational program as it operates in each school and at each level is essential.

The purposes of evaluation of instructional programs are to:

• Indicate instructional strengths and weaknesses;

• Provide information needed for advance planning;

• Provide data for public information;

• Show the relationship between achievement and the district’s stated goals;

• Check on the suitability of the instructional program in terms of community requirements;

• Assess the cost effectiveness of the program;

• And to continuously improve student achievement.

The Superintendent is directed to develop procedures for the ongoing evaluation of the educational program for the purposes of improving student achievement. These procedures will include an annual report to the Board which will highlight the strengths and weakness of the program and plans for correction of any weaknesses.
 

Mission Statement for the Athletic Department                                TOP

The mission of athletics in the Taos School District is to provide comprehensive interscholastic sports programs with responsible leadership by coaches that stresses honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship in both adults and youth.  It recognizes that fair play is the highest standard of competition, and that teaching and learning are the highest priority.  The school community in cooperation with family encourages and assists each student towards a lifetime process of learning, overall personal development, and attitude of respect for others.

Special Education Services** 405                                               TOP     

The Board of Education believes that all eligible children with disabilities aged 3 through 21 residing within the district have a right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The Taos Municipal Schools will provide services and programs in compliance with New Mexico Statutes, Public Law 94-142, and IDEA: Part B, for students with disabilities. It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent and the Special Education Department to develop procedures, ensure compliance, and inform the Board of Education, as necessary, regarding the needs of the students receiving special education services.

References: NM Statutes 1978 Annotated, Public Law 94-142, IDEA Part B, Revised 1999

Homebound Instruction 410

Homebound instruction is available for students. These services are open to any student who, because of handicapping illness or accident, is unable to attend school for a period of four weeks or more or because of physical, mental health or special challenges cannot attend or study in group situations. Pupils considered for this program shall be referred by the principal to the school nurse or, if appropriate, to the special education department. Placement into a homebound program for a special education student must have a prior recommendation by the I.E.P. Committee. Prior to final approval, the attending physician of the student concerned must present a statement requesting this placement. Reentry into the regular program shall be contingent on approval by the attending physician.

See Policy: 465

School Calendar 415                                                                     TOP

The Superintendent shall submit to the Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education at a regular March meeting one or more proposed calendars which have been developed utilizing the involvement of both employees and school parents.

The adopted school calendar will provide for at least the minimum days required by law.

Library Bill of Rights 425

The Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education supports the School Library Bill of Rights, provided by the American Library Association, which asserts that the responsibility of the school library is:

1. to provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the pupils served.

2. to provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical standards.

3. to provide a background of information which will enable pupils to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives.

4. to provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop the practice of critical reading and thinking.

5. to provide materials representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contributions to our American heritage.

6. to place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection appropriate for the users of the library.

Biased Materials 426                                                                     TOP

The teacher is responsible for presenting a balanced view of controversial issues. No materials shall be introduced into the school curricula by an individual or organized group to promote a biased viewpoint on religious, racial, sexual, or political issues.

See Policies: 252, 427,430

Sensitive Instructional Materials and Guest Speakers 427

Instructional materials dealing with personal or sensitive subjects must be previewed by the teacher before they are introduced into the classroom. If materials are sensitive, but the instructor feels they are germane to the subject being taught, the principal shall adjudge their propriety and pertinence. Video materials and motion pictures require advance notice and approval by the principal. The principal’s deliberation should include among other things, consideration of the general standards of the clientele served by the Taos Municipal Schools.

The instructor is also responsible for personal or sensitive subjects introduced or discussed by guest speakers in the classroom. Teachers shall provide their students and parents advance written notice of the possibility of the use of sensitive materials so that students finding the materials offensive may be excused from that portion of the assignment or presentation and provided with an alternative assignment more in keeping with their beliefs. Parents/Guardians may make such a request on behalf of their currently enrolled children.

Teachers should notify the building principal of any apparent problem which arises from the use of sensitive materials or from remarks by a guest speaker.

At appropriate developmental levels, parents should be given written advance notice of presentations on topics involving human sexuality. Parents objecting to the presentations or topics shall make a request in writing that their child(ren) be excused and provided with an alternative assignment.

An Individual Education Program (IEP) team is charged with the responsibility to determine how students with disabilities will participate in assessment programs. The IEP team must agree that the student is eligible according to the criteria as set forth by the New Mexico Alternate Statewide Student Assessment System and is documented on the student’s current IEP.

See Policy: 252

Textbook Selection 428                                                                TOP

A. Selection
Textbooks will be selected by procedures in full compliance with the regulations of the public Education Department.

All sample copies of instructional materials shall be supplied to or requested through the superintendent of schools or his designated representative.

The Board authorizes the superintendent as follows:

1. To establish selection procedures for basic instructional materials. The selection procedures shall include provisions for the involvement of teachers, parents and other residents of the district.

2. To establish in-service for employees.

3. To establish procedures whereby the cost of replacing lost or damaged materials shall be recovered from the pupil responsible and/or the pupil’s parents.

4. To establish procedures whereby obsolete instructional materials may be donated to the pupils of the district or otherwise disposed of same as provided under the law.

5. To verify content requirements of purchased instructional materials when materials selected are other than those on the State approved list.

B. Discarding Old Textbooks

The district Board directs the superintendent to establish procedures for the appropriate discard of old textbooks which, subsequent to new adoptions, cannot be used as supplementary material, and are no longer of any value to the district.

Controversial Materials, Methods and Issues 430-1                TOP

The Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education recognizes that it is sometimes necessary for students to study controversial issues and topics and that in order to deal effectively with them, teachers will sometimes use materials or methods that might lead to misunderstandings. In considering such matters, it shall be the purpose of our schools to recognize the student’s right and/or obligation:

1. to study any controversial issue which has political, economic, or social significance in which the student should begin to have an opinion,

2. to have free access to all relevant age-appropriate information,

3. to study under competent instruction in an atmosphere of freedom from bias and prejudice,

4. to form and express independent opinions on controversial issues without jeopardizing relations with teachers, staff and administration,

5. to recognize that a reasonable compromise is often an important facet in decision-making in our society, and

6. to respect the opinions of others, including opinions of the minority.


Complaints and Challenges to Teaching Methods and Materials

If a school or staff member is challenged on the use of methods or materials, the following procedures will apply:

1. An attempt will be made to resolve the challenge or complainant informally. School personnel shall meet with the complainant to hear the specific concerns and recommendations and to explain how and why the challenged material or method was selected for use in the classroom or library.

2. The complainant may still challenge the material or method by submitting a written statement which identifies the complainant’s specific concerns. No action to review challenged materials or methods will be taken until a written request for review is filed.

3. The review shall be undertaken by the appropriate district curriculum committees. The review process shall always include the opportunity for citizen comment. The Superintendent may, but is not required to delay use of the challenged materials or methods by students, until the entire review process is completed and has been reviewed by the Superintendent.

4. The Superintendent shall accept or reject the review committee’s recommendation and so inform the Board. The complainant may again challenge the Superintendent’s recommendation to the Board at this time.

5. The decision of the Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education shall be final.

Religion in the Schools 431-1                                                       TOP

It is the belief of the Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education that active governmental participation in religious matters and even the appearance of official preference for or antagonism toward any religious belief or non-belief is disruptive and infringes upon the individual’s freedom of conscience. Our schools shall neither actively sponsor nor interfere with religions.

The District recognizes that religion has played an undeniable role in the formation of world civilizations, the foundation of our country, and the lives of its citizens. The place of religion in our society should be recognized as an important one. Clearly the proper role of religion in the public schools is in its educational value and non-religious observance or celebration. The schools can play a vital role in bringing about an understanding between peoples of different backgrounds. In that capacity and when appropriate within the curriculum, the schools are valuable in teaching our children about various belief systems. Belief systems will be discussed in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect. Intercultural programs or curriculum focusing on the role that religion has played in history, literature or in the development of society and the influence that religion has had on historical figures or movements are acceptable and desirable. It is anticipated that students will also develop tolerance and mutual respect as they become aware of diverse belief systems and their current and historical impact on human culture.

A. Religion in the Curriculum

1. When religion is included in the curriculum as part of the study of art, literature, history, etc., it should be treated with the same objectivity and educational intent expected in other areas.

2. Religious themes in the fine arts, literature and history should be recognized and discussed only as extensively as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study of these areas. Such studies should not foster any particular religious tenet or demean any religious belief.

3. Materials and activities should be sensitive to the diversity of belief systems.

4. Instructional activities addressing religion should meet the three-part test established by the Supreme Court to determine constitutionality:

• The activity must have a secular purpose.

• The activity’s principal or primary effect must be one that neither advances nor inhibits religion.

• The activity must not foster an excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

5. When the subject of religion occurs naturally in studying other topics such as history, literature, culture, etc., it should be treated as part of that study. (For example: Study of the American Indian, the Pilgrims, Greek mythology or the Crusades may be enhanced by the inclusion of the role of religion.)

6. Student initiated responses to questions or assignments that reflect their beliefs or non-beliefs about a religious theme will be accommodated when appropriate. (For example: Students are free to express religious beliefs or non-beliefs in compositions, art forms, music, speech and debate.)

7. Students should be taught to develop an appreciation of the value of religious liberty as guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

8. The teaching of theories to promote a religious doctrine is not permitted. Religious theories/beliefs shall not direct curriculum content.

9. Subject matter content may not be included or excluded from the curriculum primarily to conform to the religious views of a particular group.

10. Students may be excused, without penalty, from instructional activities that are contrary to their religious beliefs unless their absence would defeat an overriding educational goal.

11. Elective courses at the high school level may have as their focus the history, sociology and literature of religions.

School Calendar, Holidays, Schedules, Absences                     TOP

The origin and significance of diverse holidays shall be presented in an unbiased manner without religious indoctrination. Holiday activities should not be religious in nature. These activities may include the singing of some holiday songs with religious content, but must also include a balanced variety of music not solely of a religious nature.

Neither instructional materials nor assembly programs may be used to promote, encourage or denigrate specific religious groups or religious activities.

The district’s calendar shall be prepared so as to minimize conflicts with religious holidays. Where conflicts are unavoidable, care should be taken to avoid tests, special projects, introduction of new concepts and other activities which would be difficult to make up. Absences by students for religious observances are to be handled based on existing attendance rules.

Religious Symbols

Definition: A religious symbol is any object that portrays or represents a religious belief. A religious symbol can also be an object that is so closely associated with religion(s) or with the celebration of a religious holiday that it is commonly perceived as being of a religious nature.

1. Religious symbols may be displayed or used as a teaching resource provided no effort is made to impose any particular beliefs which may be associated with such symbols. They may be used as examples of a culture and/or a specific religious heritage.

2. Whenever appropriate, teachers are encouraged in their presentations to expose students to symbols and traditions from a variety of cultures.

3. Religious symbols may be displayed for show-and-tell or reports or class discussions as long as the students volunteer their appearance and as long as the symbols are removed from display upon completion of the report or discussion.

4. Students should not be discouraged from appropriately expressing themselves through the use of religious symbols in completing assignments.

Religious Disclosure/Privacy                                                       TOP

Staff or students shall not be induced to disclose their personal religious preferences or beliefs or those of their family members. No one shall be compelled to profess a religious belief, or disbelief, or those of their family members.

Performances, Ceremonies, Programs and Gatherings

School programs, assemblies or gatherings sponsored by the school shall not have a religious orientation. However, seasonal programs presented by school student groups may include religious music. Such programs shall include a balanced variety of music not solely of a religious nature.

The District shall not conduct any baccalaureate service, nor shall it include religious invocations, benedictions or formal prayer at school sponsored events.

School musical groups may not participate, under the auspices of the school, in religious services.

Worship/Prayer

No form of prayer, worship or expression of belief shall be prescribed or sanctioned in fact nor in appearance by the schools.

Students may voluntarily pray and/or meditate during school and engage in discussions about religion provided this activity does not interfere with the educational process or infringe upon the privacy rights of others.

Proselytizing                                                                                  TOP

In working with students, school district staff shall not proselytize or inject personal religious beliefs into any school-related activities. Unwelcome attempts by individuals or groups of students to impose religious beliefs or convert others to religious beliefs or to nonbelief are not permitted in school related activities.

The distribution of religious literature on school district property, unless directly related to instructional activities, is not permitted. Teaching materials shall not include the endorsement of ideas or practices of any belief system.

Non-student members of religious groups are not allowed in the school to proselytize or recruit during the school day or during school activities.

The expression of views by staff or students, which disparage or degrade any religion or religious belief, is not permitted at any school-related activity.

Comprehensive Assessment and Program Evaluation 435     TOP

In order to ensure availability of the most relevant and applicable information for effective decision-making regarding district curriculum, programs, and functions, the Superintendent shall develop a comprehensive system for conducting periodic student learning assessment and program services evaluation. The data will produce and report assessment and program evaluation data to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum in attaining desired student outcomes. The data collected will be used to inform decision makers who recommend curriculum modifications, program adoptions at the school and district levels, classroom instructional practices, and resource allocation decisions.

The comprehensive evaluation planning will also incorporate periodic review of the effectiveness of all district operations and services and include subsequent reports to the school board.

Purpose: Provide feedback to the students, parents and teachers on student academic improvement.

The District plan for the assessment of student learning will include all curricular areas at grade levels 2 through fall semester of grade 12. The testing will include state assessments where required and district selected or developed assessments at other benchmark grade levels. All assessments selected or developed by the district will be aligned with the state’s standards and benchmarks and the District curriculum. Purposes of these assessments will be to provide feedback to students, parents and teachers regarding student progress in mastering the intended curriculum; to provide feedback to school and district administrators and teachers regarding the effectiveness of the curriculum, instructional materials, and instructional strategies; and to provide feedback to decision-makers at all levels so that they can identify critical priorities and design appropriate actions to improve learning for all students. Assessment results for individual students will be reported to parents, and performance statistics for classrooms, schools, and the district will be compiled and reported to the Board on a quarterly basis.

Program evaluation will include systematic processes to ensure that all programs used in the district are evaluated for their effectiveness and that the information gathered will inform decision-makers in such a way that they can determine program adoption, modification, or deletion based on reliable and relevant data. Evaluation approaches will include preliminary identification of goals and objectives of the program, a timetable for evaluation activities (formative and summative), criteria for the evaluation, and methods for gathering the data for evaluation. The evaluations will include cost-to¬-benefit analysis and a review of the program results in prioritized comparison with other programs, services, and practices.

The Superintendent will develop administrative procedures to implement and communicate the comprehensive student assessment and program evaluation plan.

Personality Tests 436

No personality tests or inventories or individual intelligence tests are to be administered to any student without the express written consent of the child’s parent(s). If so approved, such tests are to be administered only through the Special Education Department.

Selection of Equipment, Books and Materials 440                    TOP

In every case where feasible, the selection of equipment, books and materials shall be made only after consultation with the employees who will be held responsible for their use.

For the selection of basic textbooks for general use, parent representation will be invited from each school involved in the selection process, with notice provided to parents and the community of the selection process.

Pledge of Allegiance** 455

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States will be recited by students each school day.

Exemption by Membership in Recognized Religious Denomination

Parents or guardians belonging to a recognized religious denomination whose religious teaching prohibits their child’s recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance shall present a certificate stating that the parents or guardians are bona fide members of said religious denomination and that the religious teaching of the denomination prohibits their child’s recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Exemption by Certification of Religious or Conscientious Objection

Parents or guardians who are not bona fide members of recognized denominations described as above, but whose religious or conscientious beliefs, held either individually or jointly with others, do not permit the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, shall present a certificate stating that the parents or guardians have a religious or conscientious objection to their child’s recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Flag Display** 456                                                                        TOP

The flags of the United States of America and of the State of New Mexico shall be displayed in each classroom of the Taos Municipal School District.

Administration of Medication at School 460-1

The Taos Municipal School District is not legally obligated to administer medication to any student. Medication may be dispensed upon receipt of written authorization by the parent, subject to the following conditions:

1. The physician must submit directions in writing. This statement must include the following information:

• Name of student
• Name of drug
• Dosage of drug to be administered and precise schedule of administration
• Side effects of drug and period of time during which administration of drug is indicated

This information is to be submitted on a form available at the principal’s office.
The parent is responsible for getting this form completed and delivered to the
school.

2. The parent should provide written consent for administration of the drug by school personnel. In addition, the parent(s) must provide a telephone number through which either parent may be reached in the event of an adverse reaction to the drug.

3. The student must be instructed by the parent or the physician on how to take the medication. Young children and handicapped or retarded children should be taught according to their level of capability. It is the responsibility of the student to understand why the medicine is to be taken and to take it according to the prescribed schedule.

4. Older students may be allowed to assume responsibility for administration of their own medications, provided that self-administration is recommended in writing by the prescribing physician and the parent/guardian.

5. The container with the medication should be labeled with the name of the drug, the strength and correct dosage, schedule for administration, the name of the student and the name of the physician. If only one dosage is to be administered, such as an antibiotic, only that dosage should be brought to school, not the entire prescription.

6. The school nurse should be notified of all students taking medications at school. This notification is the responsibility of the student or parent.

7. Medications must be kept in a central location within a locked closet or cabinet. Keeping medications at the school is an accommodation to the student, and the district is not responsible for loss or damage resulting from theft.

8. Non-prescription medications such as aspirin or cold tablets may not be administered without prior written consent of the parent.

9. Using prescribed procedures, medication will be administered by a person(s) designated by the principal at each school. Medication will be dispensed only according to this policy, and the district shall not be liable for failure to properly dispense medication as the final responsibility lies with the parent and student. Each dispensing of medication will be logged on the form provided by the nurse.

Communicable Diseases 465-1                                                    TOP

Upon discovery or being informed that a student attending a school within the Taos Municipal School District has been diagnosed as having a communicable disease, the schools will endeavor to protect the health and safety of all students while concurrently safeguarding the legitimate interests and right to a free public education of the infected student.

Communicable diseases are defined as diseases caused by infectious agents that may be transmitted directly or indirectly from person to person. For the purpose of this policy, communicable diseases include, but are not limited to, the following: chicken pox, Cytomegalovirus, diphtheria, herpes simplex, hepatitis B virus, acquired human immune deficiency virus, measles, pertussis (whopping cough), rubella, salmonella, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and similar communicable diseases with serious consequences.

Definition

1. Short-term Communicable Diseases
Short-term communicable diseases are those which have a communicable period generally lasting up to ten days. Included in this category are chicken pox, measles, and whooping cough.

2. Long-term Communicable Diseases
Long-term communicable diseases are those which have a communicable period generally lasting for more than ten days.

Identification/Diagnosis of Students with Communicable Diseases
The Taos Municipal School District will not require mandatory testing, screening, or vaccination of students for communicable diseases as a condition before registration, admission, or readmission to school either initially or annually, unless required to do so under state or federal law or ordered to do so by the State District Health Officer. However, if school authorities have reasonable cause to believe that a student has or is a carrier of a communicable disease, such student may be required to submit to an appropriate medical examination.

Parents or guardians of students presently attending or enrolling in the schools of the Taos Municipal School District have a legal obligation, if there is no health care professional attending the student, to report to the Health Services Division of the Health and Environment Department of the State of New Mexico, the fact that the student is a carrier of or is infected with a communicable disease, as soon as the parent or guardian becomes aware of the condition.

A student with a communicable disease whose medical condition causes a handicap, as defined under federal law, shall be referred to the Special Education department for determination of eligibility as an exceptional student.

Confidentiality                                                                                TOP
The number of personnel who will be informed of the student’s communicable disease will be kept to a minimum to assure the confidentiality of records and other information regarding the student.

School personnel and members of any committee appointed according to the provisions of this policy, shall maintain the student’s right of confidentiality with respect to the fact that the student has or is a carrier of a communicable disease. With respect to any records, documents, statements, letters, or memoranda developed or prepared by a committee, nothing shall prohibit or prevent the disclosure of information that may be permitted or required by state or federal law or regulations promulgated as to the reporting of communicable diseases. The chairperson shall remind all committee members about the student’s right to confidentiality.

Educational Services for Short-term Communicable Diseases
For communicable diseases of short and well known duration, parents or guardians will be asked to absent their child(ren) during the contagious period. In the event that the parent or guardian refuses to do so, the principal shall suspend the child for up to ten (10) days, following the procedures governing short-term suspensions of students. For communicable diseases of less well determined duration, parents or guardians may absent their child(ren) from school for any period during which the student’s condition is infectious or communicable, provided that such absence is supported by a statement to the effect prepared by a medical doctor.

Educational Services for Long-term Communicable Diseases

A student who qualifies as an exceptional student according to the Educational Standards for New Mexico schools shall have placement and services provided in the least restrictive environment as determined by an EA&R committee in accordance with those standards and will be afforded all protections under federal law as to a handicapping condition.

Decisions concerning the educational program and placement setting for non-exceptional students, according to the Educational Standards for New Mexico schools, who have or are carriers of long-term communicable diseases will be made by a committee composed of the following:

• The student’s physician,
• The parent(s) or legal guardian(s),
• The Superintendent or designee,
• School personnel with whom the student will interact and who are familiar with the student’s educational abilities and needs.
• Any person to be appointed by the Superintendent, whose expertise would be useful to the committee in reaching and implementing its decision.

In determining the least restrictive educational program and placement setting for a non-exceptional student who has or is a carrier of a long-term communicable disease, the following factors will be evaluated:

1. The nature of the disease,                                               TOP
2. The age of the student,
3. The behavior of the student,
4. The neurological development of the student,
5. The physical condition of the student,
6. The expected type of interaction which the student will have with other students or with employees in the proposed placement setting,
7. The hygienic practices of the student,
8. The risk of transmission of the disease from the student to other students or employees, with whom the student may interact, and
9. Any other pertinent factor reasonably related to the decision.

Restrictions placed upon the educational program and/or the placement of a non-exceptional student with a long-term communicable disease will be imposed only when the committee determines that the risks of an unrestricted program and placement outweigh any benefits which the student may receive from an unrestricted program and/or placement.

The student’s placement and program will be reevaluated, and modified if necessary, as often as the circumstances will require, but in no event will the educational program and/or the placement setting continue without reevaluation at least once a semester or twice a year. Any reevaluation will be done by the committee taking into account those factors listed above.

The parent or guardian of a non-exceptional student who has or is a carrier of a long-term communicable disease, who is aggrieved by a program or placement decision made pursuant to this policy, may appeal that decision to the Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education by requesting a hearing, in writing, within ten (10) days of the program or placement decision. Such hearing will be held at a time convenient to both parties and shall be held in closed session. The decision of the Taos Board of Education shall be final.

Blood-borne Pathogens 466                                                        TOP

OSHA regulations require the reduction of risk to employees from blood-borne pathogens. It is the policy of the Taos Municipal Schools that employees adhere to the District’s Exposure Control Plan. Complete information is available at the Superintendent’s office and at each school building office.

Any employee exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material while on duty will be offered a three-injection vaccination series by the Taos School District. All needed information is available at the Superintendent’s office.

Adherence to Copyright 475

It shall be the policy of the Taos Municipal Schools to discourage illegal copying of any and all copyrighted materials, including videotaped materials and microcomputer software. Persons who duplicate copyrighted materials shall obtain the necessary permission to do so legally. The insurance and legal protection normally afforded to the Taos School District employees is not extended to include legal protection for willful violations of copyright laws.

Detailed guidelines will be available from district administrators.

See Policy: 476

Use of District Computers 476-1                                                TOP

Definitions
“User” shall mean all persons who are granted access to the Taos School District’s computer resources.

“Computer Resources” shall mean all computer hardware, software, communications devices, facilities, equipment, networks, passwords, licensing and attendant policies, manuals and guides.

“Bandwidth” is the amount of information that can flow through the network.

Privilege
The use of the Internet is a privilege not a right and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of those privileges. Staff will determine what is inappropriate use and may close access at any time as deemed necessary. The administration, faculty, and staff of the Taos Municipal Schools may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific used accounts.

No Expectation of Privacy
The computers and computer accounts given to Users are to assist them in performance of their jobs. Users do not have an expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send, or receive on the computer system. The computer system belongs to the Taos Municipal School District and may be used only for business or educational purposes. The Taos Municipal Schools’ system operators have access to all used account directories and data, e-mail, personal web pages and any other files stored on system servers. System operators may delete files at any time to conform to the system’s storage needs.

Waiver of Privacy Rights
Users expressly waive any right of privacy in anything they create, store, send, or receive on the computer or through the Internet or any other computer network. Users consent to allowing personnel of the Taos School District to access and review all materials Users create, store, send, or receive on the computer or through the Internet or any other computer network. Users understand that the Taos School District may use human or automated means to monitor use of its computer resources.

The District’s network is provided as an instructional tool. Acceptable uses of the network are activities that support learning and teaching. Network users are encouraged to develop uses which meet their individual educational needs and which take advantage of the network’s functions.

Prohibited Activities                                                                       TOP
Inappropriate or unlawful material(s). Material that is fraudulent, harassing, embarrassing, sexually explicit, profane, obscene, intimidating, threatening or potentially violent, defamatory, racially offensive, inappropriate proselytizing, or otherwise unlawful, or in violation of the Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education’s policy may not be sent by email or any other form(s) of electronic communications (i.e. bulletin board systems, newsgroups, chat groups, list-servers) or be displayed on or stored in the District’s computers. Users encountering or receiving this kind of material should immediately report the incident to their principal(s) or supervisor(s).

Prohibited uses. Without prior written permission from the Superintendent or his/her designee, computer resources may not be used for dissemination or storage of commercial or personal advertisements, promotions, destructive programs (including but not limited to self-replicating codes or viruses), political or religious materials, or any use which is unauthorized or in violation of the Taos Board of Education policy.

Waste of computer resources. Users may not deliberately perform acts that waste computer resources or unfairly monopolize resources to the exclusion of others. These acts include, but are not limited to, sending or forwarding mass mailings or chain letters, spending excessive amounts of time on the Internet, playing games, sending or forwarding jokes, engaging in online chat groups, printing multiple copies of documents, or otherwise creating unnecessary network traffic.

Talk use or voice communications will not be allowed unless it is in accordance with the instructor’s directions. “Chat” is not to be used by anyone as the content of messages cannot be monitored and the number of people on the chat line can create many problems. The system administrator reserves the right to limit the use of these features when the system is slowed or inhibited by overuse. Internet radio, downloading of digital music files, engaging in game play over the Internet is strictly prohibited. Netcam use will only be allowed with staff supervision and in accordance with curricular needs. All the preceding activities use large amounts of network bandwidth and can interfere with other educational Internet activities.


Misuse of software. Without prior written authorization from the Superintendent or his/her designee, Users may not do any of the following:

1. Copy software for use on their home computers;

2. Provide copies of software to any third person;

3. Install software on any District workstation or server;

4. Download any software or run executable files from the Internet, email or other online services to any Taos School District’s workstations or servers;

5. Modify, revise, transform, recast, or adapt any software;

6. Reverse-engineer, disassemble, or decompile any software. Users who become aware of any misuse of software or violation of copyright law must immediately report the incident to their principal or supervisor.

7. Plagiarizing, which is the taking of someone else’s words, ideas, or findings and intentionally presenting them as one’s own without giving credit to the source;

8. Using the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity.

9. All motion pictures, television programs and sound recording files are protected by copyright laws; therefore, copying and/or downloading these files is prohibited.

The instructional staff of the Taos Municipal Schools will be responsible for:

1. Instructing students regarding the Taos Schools Policies and Procedures for Internet use.

2. Supervising and guiding student access to the Internet.

3. Restraining any student or students who have been restricted from network access or computer use from utilizing the Taos Municipal Schools’ Network.

Communication of confidential information. Unless expressly authorized by the Superintendent or his/her designee, sending, transmitting, or otherwise disseminating confidential information is strictly prohibited.

Passwords                                                                                      TOP
Responsibility for passwords. Users are responsible for safe-guarding their passwords for access to the computer system. Individual passwords should not be printed, stored online, or given to others. Users are responsible for all transactions made using their passwords. No User may access the computer system with another User’s password or account.

Passwords do not imply privacy. Use of passwords to gain access to the computer system or to encode particular files or messages does not imply that Users have an expectation of privacy in the material they create or receive on the computer system.

Security
Computer security. Each User is responsible for ensuring that use of outside computers and networks, such as the Internet, does not compromise the security of the Taos Municipal School District’s Computer Resources. This duty includes taking reasonable precautions to prevent intruders from accessing the District’s network via Internet connections or by leaving systems on and logged into the network without authorization and to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses. Should a user feel that he/she can identify a security problem on any computer system or the network, the user shall notify the system administrator. The user shall not demonstrate the problem to others.

Viruses
Virus detection. As viruses can cause substantial damage to computer systems, each User is responsible for taking reasonable precautions to ensure he or she does not introduce viruses into the District’s network. To that end, all material received on floppy disk or other magnetic or optical medium and all material downloaded from the Internet or from computers or networks that do not belong to the Taos School District must be scanned for viruses and other destructive programs before being placed onto the computer system or network. Users should understand that their home computers and laptops may contain viruses; therefore, one should be extremely cautious in transferring from these computers to the District’s network.

Miscellaneous
Compliance with applicable laws and licenses. In their use of Computer Resources, Users must comply with all software licenses, copyrights, and all other state, federal and international laws governing intellectual property and online activities.

Other policies applicable. In their use of Computer Resources, Users must observe and comply with all other policies and guidelines of the Taos Municipal School District. Sending, receiving, downloading, displaying, printing, or otherwise disseminating material that is sexually explicit, profane, obscene, harassing, fraudulent, intimidating, threatening or potentially violent, racially offensive, defamatory, proselytizing, inappropriate or otherwise unlawful or in violation of the Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education’s policy is strictly prohibited.

Unacceptable Use                                                                         TOP
The Taos Municipal School District has the right to take disciplinary action, remove computer and networking privileges, take legal action, or report to proper authorities any activity characterized as unethical, unacceptable or unlawful. Unacceptable use activities constitute, but are not limited to the following:

• Any activity through which the user seeks to gain unauthorized access to information resources, obtains copies of, or modifies files or other data, or gains and utilizes passwords belonging to other Users;

• Destroys, alters, dismantles, disfigures, prevents rightful access to or otherwise interferes with the integrity of computer-based information resources, whether on stand alone or networked computers;

• Invades the privacy of individuals or entities; or

• Submits, publishes or displays any defamatory, inaccurate, racially offensive, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented or threatening materials or messages either for public or private use.

Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any attempt to harm or destroy equipment, data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to any of the Internet backbones. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses, removing of mouse bans, disks and other peripherals.

Violations/Consequences                                                            TOP

Students
Students who violate this policy shall be subject to revocation of District Computer access up to and including permanent loss of privileges and discipline up to and including expulsion. Violations of law will be reported to law enforcement officials. Disciplinary action may be appealed by parents and/or students in accordance with existing District procedures for suspension or revocation of student privileges.

Staff
Staff members who violate this policy shall be subject to discipline up to and including suspension, termination or discharge in accordance with Board Policy, negotiated agreements and applicable law. Violations of law will be reported to law enforcement officials.

Curriculum Adoption 478
Recommendations to add new courses or programs or to delete existing courses must be approved by the Board.

See Policy: 511

CURRICULUM DESIGN 477                                                          TOP

Student learning in the Taos Municipal Schools will be attained by adherence to a written curriculum that horizontally and vertically articulates District expectations of what children are to learn. The curriculum will establish a framework of cumulative acquisition and mastery of skills and behaviors, reflecting the best knowledge of the growth and development of the academic, social and emotional needs of students and the expectations of the parents of these students. The District will continually develop and revise its curriculum to meet changing needs and to ensure the highest quality instructional program.

Faculty is expected to adhere to the curriculum developed for their teaching assignments. Principals are expected to assist teachers in skillful implementation of the curriculum and to provide guidance in unit/lesson objectives that are developed by faculty. Administrators and faculty will have opportunities to contribute to the development and revision of the curriculum by service on the Professional Development Committee or Instructional Council or by communicating with a representative that serves on either of these committees.

All program/subject areas will be represented in the curriculum, stating the purpose and objectives of the curriculum, performance expectations for students and suggested instructional resources. District assessments shall be developed for each program/subject area. What is taught and tested in each classroom should be aligned with the curriculum and state standards and benchmarks and designed to determine the extent to which students are achieving mastery of the learning objectives, and achieving positive academic progress.

The ultimate goal from the implementation of the curriculum is to develop skills that students can:

• Demonstrate mastery of reading writing, speaking/listening, mathematical skills and problem solving strategies sufficient for effective functioning in a complex society.

• Demonstrate historical, geographical, political, and economic literacy.

• Demonstrate science and its processes in day-to-day decisions; suggest solutions to problem and evaluate limitations to the solutions proposed.

• Demonstrate community/civic pride and responsibility.

• Demonstrate creative and disciplined thinking; identify needs and problems, locate and analyze information from all appropriate, sources for meaning and/or action, and apply problem-solving strategies.

• Demonstrate skills to access, organize, and synthesize, relevant information; utilize current and appropriate technologies as tools.

• Appreciate the need for healthful living and demonstrate knowledge of how to keep both body and mind in a state of physical and emotional wellness.

• Develop a commitment to the process of learning; display the necessary skills for lifelong and self-directed learning.

• Develop cooperative/collaborative interpersonal skills necessary to functional in business and social situations within a democratic society.


Curriculum Adoption 478                                                              TOP

Recommendations to add new courses or programs or to delete existing courses must be approved by the Board.

 

ACCELERATION OF EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS  479

The Taos Municipal Schools recognizes that eighth grade students should have the opportunity to receive high school credit for coursework taken during the eighth grade in the following areas: 

                        Algebra and Honors Language Arts

Such opportunity shall be provided subject to the following conditions:

1.                  The student expresses a desire to take a high school level course during the eighth grade year, and

2.                  The student has received a qualifying score on the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test for Algebra or in the case of Language Arts, a locally developed exam in that subject.