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INSTRUCTION
Class Size--Elementary
The Board believes in the importance of small class sizes at the elementary level. The size of each class shall depend upon the type of instruction needed to assist each student in the development of academic and occupational skills. Effective staff utilization shall also be considered in organizing and scheduling classroom instruction. Class size for Special Education students shall adhere to the Code of Iowa. The Superintendent and the Directors, with the approval of the Superintendent, shall determine the class size for each school unit. They shall have the responsibility to approve any modifications or exceptions to the class size guidelines. Based upon implementation strategies for balancing enrollment, the recommended class sizes for elementary grades shall be as follows:
INSTRUCTION
Field Trips (Study Trips)
The Board encourages field trips** as a supplement to classroom instruction. Field trips** are educational in nature and related to the curriculum for the subject area and grade level of students involved in the trip. The administration shall prepare guidelines for planning field trips** in order to provide for maximum educational benefits. The administration shall also establish procedures for the use of school buses for field trips.** Parent/Guardian permission is required for these field trips.** ** Study Trips
INSTRUCTION
Homework Homework constitutes assignments and outside-of-class activities which are appropriate extensions and enrichments of the regular classroom instructional program. Research clearly demonstrates that time spent on quality homework is positively related to achievement. Through homework, classroom instruction is reinforced, independent practice is provided, high expectations are supported, students are motivated toward self-direction, self-esteem is enhanced, and the relationship of school and home in the learning process is strengthened. Basic Principles Homework must be carefully planned in accordance with the following principles: 1. The purpose of the assignment and its relation to what has been learned in the classroom shall be clearly defined by the teacher and understood by the students. 2. The teacher shall ensure that students understand the assignment and how to do it. 3. The assignment shall grow out of classroom activities and projects. 4. The teacher shall consider the students' total daily homework load when deciding upon the length of any assignment. This guideline may require consultation among teachers. 5. The teacher shall be encouraged to give the week's homework assignments at the beginning of the week. 6. Study skills shall be taught at each grade level, as they relate to subject areas. 7. The teacher shall give meaningful feedback on all homework. 8. Completed homework shall be reflected in the student's grade.
INSTRUCTION
Outside Resource People
The Board recognizes that one of the District's greatest resources is to be found within the people of the community who have special knowledge and particular talents that contribute to the school program. The Board, therefore, encourages the use of community resources and citizens to assist in supplementing the educational program. Use of outside personnel and resources shall be under regulations as approved by the Superintendent or superintendent's designee.
INSTRUCTION
Religion Based Excuse from School Program or Activity
The District recognizes the existence of various religious beliefs and acknowledges the American tradition of separation of church and state. Parents who wish to have their child excused from a school program or activity because of religious beliefs must inform the principal or other appropriate administrator. The teacher will provide an alternative activity to the principal and the principal will need to approve the assignment.
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