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

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 literacy, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, physical education, traffic safety, music, visual art, and computer science. Computer science will be offered during at least one grade level.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades seven and eight will include English-language arts, social studies, including instruction related to civics, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, family and consumer, career, technology education, physical education, music, visual art, and computer science. Computer science will be offered during at least one grade level.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve will include English‑language arts (6 credits), social studies (5 credits), mathematics (6 credits), science (5 credits), health (1 credit), physical education (1 credit), fine arts (2 credits), foreign language (2 credits), financial literacy (1/2 unit), vocational education (12 credits), and computer science (1/2 unit).

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

Each instruction program is carefully planned for optimal benefit taking into consideration the financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the board or superintendent.  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 to develop administrative regulations stating the required courses and optional courses for kindergarten, grades one through six, grades seven and eight, and grades nine through twelve.

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

Cross Reference: 102      Equal Educational Opportunity
                                      103      Long-Range Needs Assessment
                                      505      Student Scholastic Achievement
                                      602      Curriculum Development
                                      603      Instructional Curriculum

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  10-09-2024                                   
Last Revision  10-09-2024

The district believes in the importance of education to shape the lives of all students. Some students may consider postsecondary education and training beyond their secondary education, and have questions related to the cost of education programs and the future employability of graduates. It is valuable for students who express an interest in postsecondary education to make informed decisions related to their future options.  

The district will ensure that students in grades eleven and twelve who express interest in postsecondary education will be provided with basic information to assist in their decision-making. This information includes but may not be limited to: 

A link to the annual report published by the State Board of Regents pursuant to Iowa Code 262.9(38); and

a link to the Iowa Student Outcomes internet site maintained by the Department of Education.

If the district employs a college and career transition counselor, this staff member will provide the information to interested students. If the district does not employ this type of counselor, the superintendent will designate a staff member to ensure this information is provided to interested students. 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §279

Cross Reference:          603.7   Career Education

Initially Approved  08-14-2024
Last Reviewed 
Last Revision

The Clarinda Community School District recognizes the importance of ongoing learning opportunities for students. As such, the district shall offer summer school instruction in accordance with the following:

• The board, in its discretion, may offer summer school for one or more courses and student activities for students who need additional help and instruction or for enrichment in those areas.  Upon receiving a request for summer school, the board will weigh the benefit to the students and the school district as well as the school district's budget and availability of licensed employees to conduct summer school.

• If a child who is eligible for special education has been determined to need extended school year services as necessary to receive a free appropriate public education, as determined according to state and federal law, such services shall be provided as described in the child’s individualized education program.

• In additional instances as provided by law.

The superintendent may develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8, 280.3; 282.6
                                       281 I.A.C. 41.106.

Cross Reference: 410.2   Summer School Licensed Employees
                                      505.2   Student Promotion – Retention – Acceleration
                                      603      Instructional Curriculum
                                      711.4   Summer School Transportation

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  02-15-2021                                      
Last Revision 02-15-2021   

The board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students.  The board will provide a free appropriate public education program and related services to students identified in need of special education.  The special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or to maximum age allowable in accordance with the law.  Students requiring special education will attend general education classes, participate in nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a general education setting to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of each individual student.  The appropriate education for each student is written in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Special education students are required to meet the requirements listed for special education in board policy, 505.5 Graduation Requirements and in their IEPs for graduation.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special education and related services.

Children from birth through age 2 and children age 3 through age 5 are provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system.  The school district will work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services, at the earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age 2.  This is done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.

Legal Reference:           Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982).  
                                             Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982).
                                             Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
                                             20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq.
                                             34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq.
                                             Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.1, .2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8.
                                             281 I.A.C. 41.109; 41.404

Cross Reference:    503      Student Discipline
                                       505.5    Graduation Requirements
                                       506      Student Records
                                       507.2    Administration of Medication to Students
                                       507.8    Student Special Health Services
                                       601.1    School Calendar
                                       603      Instructional Curriculum

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                                  
Last Reviewed  02-15-2021                             
Last Revision    02-15-2021    

Students will have an equal opportunity for and access to a quality education without discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, creed, color, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

The education program is free of discrimination and provides equal opportunity for the students.  The education program will foster knowledge of and respect and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society.  Special emphasis is placed on Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, American Indians, European-Americans, and persons with disabilities.  It will also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 256.11.
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.5(8).

Cross Reference: 102      Equal Educational Opportunity
                                      600      Goals and Objectives of the Education Program

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  02-15-2021                                  
Last Revision  02-15-2021

Students in grade levels one through twelve will receive, as part of their health education, instruction about personal health; food and nutrition; environmental health; safety and survival skills; consumer health; family life; human growth and development; substance abuse and non-use, including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and poisons on the human body; human sexuality; self-esteem; stress management; interpersonal relationships; emotional and social health; health resources; prevention and control of disease; and communicable diseases.  The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve and maintain physical, emotional and social well-being.

The areas stated above are included in health education and the instruction are adapted at each grade level to aid understanding by the students.

Parents who object to health education instruction in human growth and development may file a written request that the student be excused from the instruction.  The written request will include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent.  The superintendent will have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11; 279.8; 80; 280.3-14.
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.5.

Cross Reference: 502      Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      603      Instructional Curriculum
                                      607      Instructional Services

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  08-23-2023                                  
Last Revision   08-23-2023  

Students in grades one through twelve are required to participate in physical education courses unless they are excused by the principal of their attendance center.

Students may be excused from physical education courses if the student presents a written statement from a doctor stating that such activities could be injurious to the health of the student or the student has been exempted because of a conflict with the student's religious beliefs.

Students in grades 9-12 may also be excused from physical education courses if:

• the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available, or
• the student has obtained a physical education waiver for a semester because the student is actively involved in an athletic program or marching band;
• the student is participating in the Legislative Page Program at the state capitol for a regular session of the general assembly; or
• the student is enrolled in a junior reserve officer training corps.

Twelfth grade students may also be excused from physical education courses if the student is enrolled in a cooperative, work study or other educational program authorized by the school which requires the student's absence from school.

Students who will not participate in physical education must have a written request or statement from their parents.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 256.11
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.5.

Cross Reference: 504      Student Activities
                                      603      Instructional Curriculum

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  09-22-2021                                  
Last Revision    09-22-2021  

Preparing students for careers is one goal of the education program.  Career education will be written into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve.  This education will include, but not be limited to, awareness of self in relation to others and the needs of society, exploration of employment opportunities, experiences in personal decision-making, and experiences of integrating work values and work skills into their lives.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to assist licensed employees in finding ways to provide career education in the education program.  Special attention should be given to courses of vocational education nature.  The board, in its review of the curriculum, will review the means in which career education is combined with other instructional programs.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 280.9.
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.5(7).

Cross Reference: 603      Instructional Curriculum

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  02-15-2021                                  
Last Revision                         

The school district is required to keep the practice of religion out of the school curriculum.  The board recognizes the key role religion has played in the history of the world and authorizes the study of religious history and traditions as part of the curriculum.  Preferential or derogatory treatment of a single religion will not take place.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure the study of religion in the schools in keeping with the following guidelines:

• the proposed activity must have a secular purpose;
• the primary objective of the activity must not be one that advances or inhibits religion; and
• the activity must not foster excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.
                                      Lee v. Weisman. 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).
                                      Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
                                      Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
                                      Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.6.

Cross Reference: 603      Instructional Curriculum
                                      604.5   Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program
                                      606.2   School Ceremonies and Observances

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  02-15-2021                                  
Last Revision                         

The board believes students should have an opportunity to reach their own decisions and beliefs about conflicting points of view.  Academic freedom is the opportunity of licensed employees and students to study, investigate, present, interpret, and discuss facts and ideas relevant to the subject matter of the classroom and appropriate to and in good taste with the maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities of the students.

It is the responsibility of the teacher to refrain from advocating partisan causes, sectarian religious views, or biased positions in the classroom or through teaching methods.  Teachers are not discouraged from expressing personal opinions as long as students are aware it is a personal opinion and students are allowed to reach their own conclusions independently.

It is the responsibility of the principal to ensure academic freedom is allowed but not abused in the classroom.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3, .6.

Cross Reference: 502      Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      603      Instructional Curriculum
                                      903.5   Distribution of Materials

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  02-15-2021                                  
Last Revision                         

Because of our growing interdependence with other nations in the world, global education is incorporated into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve so that students have the opportunity to acquire a perspective on world issues, problems, and prospects for an awareness of the relationship between an individual's self-interest and the concerns of people elsewhere in the world. 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11.
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.5(11).

Cross Reference: 602      Curriculum Development
                                      603      Instructional Curriculum

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  02-15-2021                                 
Last Revision                         

Being a citizen of the United States, of Iowa and of the school district community entitles students to special privileges and protections as well as requiring the students to assume civic, economic and social responsibilities and to participate in their country, state and school district community in a manner that entitles them to keep these rights and privileges.

As part of the education program, students will have an opportunity to learn about their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens of this country, state and school district community.  As part of this learning opportunity students are instructed in the elements of good citizenship and the role quality citizens play in their country, state and school district community.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11.
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 12.5(3)(b)-(5)(b).

Cross Reference: 101      Educational Philosophy of the School District
                                      502      Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      503      Student Discipline

Initially Approved 02-14-2000                              
Last Reviewed  02-15-2021                                 
Last Revision