Video/Media/Film showing policy
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Teachers may utilize, at their discretion, any video media of less than 20 minutes in length from various sources of the appropriate rating.
- Video media of 20 minutes or more (of the appropriate rating), not listed in the curriculum must be approved by the group of teachers.
- 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.
- 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.