IHA:  BASIC INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

State law requires that schools:

. . . shall give instruction and training in orthography, reading, writing, the English language and grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, the history and Constitution of the United States, the duties of citizenship, health education, physical education and good behavior... 

The law further states that American history and civics, including the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, local history and government will be taught as required subjects in the public schools.

Physical education is compulsory for all students, except that no student will be required to take part in physical education exercises if a physician certifies in writing that such exercises would be injurious to the student. 

The Fundamental Skills

 The business of the schools is to equip all children with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will lay the basis for learning now and in the future. This means giving highest priority to developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and solving numerical problems as outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. .

The first claim of the community’s resources will be made for the realization of these priorities. School dollars, talent, time, and whatever innovation in program is required must be concentrated on these top-ranking goals. No student should be bypassed or left out of the school’s efforts to teach the fundamental skills. Schooling for basic literacy must reach all students, in all neighborhoods, and from all homes. 

SOURCE:  MASC 

LEGAL REFS.:            M.G.L. 71:1,2,3; 71:13

                                    603 CMR 26:05

 Adopted on:     April 24, 2008