Video/Media/Film showing policy

  1. Full-length films or programs may only be utilized in lessons if the films/programs are approved by the team of teachers and/or listed in the specific curriculum.
  2. Whenever possible, only appropriate excerpts from films or programs should be used to target the specific instructional objectives of the lesson, rather than having students watch the entire piece.
  3. Appropriate instructional activities and techniques must accompany lessons in which video media is utilized. These shall be included in the lesson plans and reviewed by teachers.
  4. If a film or program carries a certain rating, parental permission will be required, and parents may opt children out of viewing the content, and children will be given an alternate activity.
  5. Teachers may utilize, at their discretion, any video media of less than 20 minutes in length from various sources of the appropriate rating.
  6. Video media of 20 minutes or more (of the appropriate rating), not listed in the curriculum must be approved by the group of teachers.
  7. Instructional time is precious and limited. Showing television programs, movies or other content for entertainment purposes, as a class reward, or for general “down time” for students not directly connected to a curricular-based class lesson, is strictly prohibited and is a violation of the policy. The exception would be school-wide or grade-level activities or celebrations.
  8. Students may watch videos/film during lunch periods provided that the film/videos are related to unit of study. Students may be asked to write a written reflection on the shown film/video.