The basic instruction program will include a program of studies for each grade level by the State Department of Education. The instructional approach will be gender fair and multicultural.

The Board may, in its discretion, offer additional courses in the instruction program for any grade level.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in kindergarten is designed to develop healthy emotional and social habits, language arts and communication skills, the capacity to complete individual tasks, character education and the ability to protect and increase physical well-being with attention given to experiences relating to the development of life skills and human growth and development.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades one through six will include English-language arts, social studies, economics – including financial literacy*, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, physical education, traffic safety, music, and visual art.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades seven and eight will include English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, family and consumer, career, technology education, physical education, music, and visual art.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve will include English‑language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, physical education, fine arts, foreign language, and vocational education.

Each instruction program is carefully planned for optimal benefit taking into consideration the financial condition of the District and other factors deemed relevant by the Board or Superintendent/designee. Each instruction program’s plan should describe the program, its goals, the effective materials, the activities and the method for student evaluation.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent/designee to develop administrative regulations stating the required courses and optional courses for kindergarten through grade twelve.

*Financial Literacy requirement is effective with the 2021 graduation class.

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232h (2006).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 98 (2006).
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 256.11; 279.8; 280.3-.14 (2009).
281 I.A.C. 12.5.

Cross Reference:
102.00 Equal Educational Opportunity
103.00 Strategic Plan
505 Student Retention and Promotion
602 Series Curriculum Development
603 Series Instructional Arrangement

Approved:
March 22, 2010

Reviewed:
January 13, 2010
August 17, 2015
November 20, 2019

Revised:
August 17, 2015
November 20, 2019