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Category: Administrators of Schools (AA400 – AA499)

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 9/8/2009
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board encourages District participation in worthy school-community contests and special programs.  Programs promoted or sponsored by community agencies and organizations shall be evaluated carefully before student and teacher involvement is committed.  In the evaluation of cooperative activities, their relevance to established curricula and good learning experiences shall receive prime consideration.  Responsibility for the assessment and coordinating of school-community programs shall be delegated to the District Administration.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Since most school-community contests and special programs are planned to complement classroom instruction, responsibility for coordinating such programs is delegated to the Administrators of Schools.  The offices of the Administrators of Schools shall be the clearing house for all requests for participation.

    1. District participation in community contests and special programs shall be determined on the basis of appropriateness (relationship to regular classroom instruction), timeliness (relationship to on-going school activities) and benefits (relationship to educational, civic, social, and ethical development of students).
    2. Contests or programs designed to promote or advertise a specific product or a questionable ideology shall not be approved.
    3. Selected contests and programs shall not place undue burden upon teachers or schools.
    4. The lists of approved contests and activities as published by the NASSP and other state and national associations shall be considered as decisions regarding District participation are made.
    5. Participation by the District or school in local and/or state contests or activities shall be reviewed and approved by a committee consisting of the Administrators of Schools.  A published list of approved activities shall be maintained.
    6. The option to participate or not to participate in approved contests and programs shall remain with the individual school.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 11/29/2022
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    Recognizing the need for an orderly transition of students between school levels, the Board authorizes the District Administration to conduct appropriate advancement, promotion, and graduation activities.
  2. Administrative Policy
    1. Authorization
      The advancement, promotion, and graduation of students is authorized by the Board upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and the principal of the school involved.
    2. Definitions
      1. Advancement:  Movement of students within the three divisions or levels (elementary, middle, and high school) of instruction.
      2. Promotion:  Movement of students from one grade level to another, from elementary to middle school, and from middle school to high school.
      3. Graduation:  Completion of the high school program of studies specified by the State and local Boards of Education.
        NOTE:  The following definitions relate directly to the mandate for optional configurations of the high school program as specified by Utah Code §53A-15-101.
      4. Advanced Placement (AP):  The most rigorous credit courses in the high school curriculum in any discipline area.  Sponsored by and controlled by the College Entrance Examination Board, AP courses each have associated tests that also grant college level credit upon successful completion of the examination designated for that course.
      5. Accelerated Vocational Programs:  Vocational/technical education courses designed to provide college credit to students evidencing a high level of content master/skills in a specialized field.
      6. Early Graduation:  Optional program governed by the creation of a specialized Student Educational Plan for College and Career Readiness and approved by the principal at the least one quarter prior to the date for early graduation; designed for the purpose of allowing a student to graduate after completion of the eleventh grade or at the end of any quarter of the twelfth grade year.
      7. Concurrent Enrollment:  Optional program governed by the creation of a specialized Student Educational Plan for College and Career Readiness that allows a student to enroll in post secondary training/education while attending classes in the regular high school day.  Courses completed in the Concurrent Enrollment program may be used as credit toward high school graduation and/or may be applied to fulfillment of post secondary educational requirements.
      8. Early Admissions:  Optional program governed by the creation of a specialized Student Educational Plan for College and Career Readiness that allows a student to enter post secondary training/education in place of or as part of the normal senior year.  Early Admissions does not preclude the student returning to graduate from high school with his/her class.
      9. International Baccalaureate:  A rigorous program of studies emphasizing critical thinking while encouraging an international perspective.  Students may earn a certificate in a specific course of study and a diploma recognizing completion of the entire program.
    3. Promotion and Graduation Requirements
      Promotion from elementary school to middle school or from middle school to high school shall be authorized upon satisfactory fulfillment of the requirements specified by the State Board of Education and additional studies required by the Jordan School District Board of Education. Graduation from high school shall be authorized upon satisfactory completion of high school graduation requirements in the Utah educational code and stated in the Jordan School District Credit Guidelines for graduation from secondary schools. (State Board Rule R277-705-3)
    4. Responsibility
      The Administration delegates responsibility for the general coordination of advancement, promotion, and graduation activities to the Administrators of Schools.  Working cooperatively with the school principals, the Administrators of Schools shall make certain that Board and Administrative policies are understood and complied with in conducting school programs.
    5. Advancement
      Teachers and principals shall consider the continuous progress and educational growth of students a major concern as students are advanced from one level to another in the elementary and middle school.  Retentions and accelerations shall be considered on the basis of the best interest and welfare of the student based upon the professional determination of the local school educational team comprised of a school administrator, parent(s)/legal guardian(s), teacher(s) and guidance personnel.  (See Policy AS64 Student Retention and Acceleration)
    6. Promotion
      As students are promoted from one division or level to another, teachers and administrators shall stress the non-terminal nature of promotion and shall encourage students to continue their studies.
    7. Graduation Programs
      Graduation programs shall be conducted according to the following guidelines:

      1. Commencement exercises shall be held to honor those students graduating from high school.
      2. They shall reflect the dignity of youth, the community, and the schools of Jordan School District.
      3. They shall emphasize conservatism in money expenditures required of students, parents, and schools in order not to embarrass the indigent.
      4. No formal programs or exercises shall be held for pupils being advanced from one grade to the next or for pupils being promoted from elementary to middle school or from middle school to high school.
      5. Middle school students shall not purchase class rings, yearbooks, or pins to signify the promotion occasion.
    8. Scheduling
      The scheduling of graduation programs shall be coordinated by the Administrators of Schools.  Selected program dates shall be cleared through the Superintendent's office and placed on the Activity Calendar.
    9. Graduation Attire
      In order to maintain dignity and decorum at high school commencements, students participating in commencement exercises are subject to the graduation dress attire articulated in Policy AA419 Student Conduct and Dress, item D.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 9/8/2009
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    Recognizing the need for greater articulation between high schools and colleges and the development of special academic classes which will challenge college-bound students, the Board authorizes District participation in Advanced Placement Programs.  Advanced Placement classes shall be programmed in harmony with guidelines established by the Utah State Board of Education and The College Board.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administrators of Schools shall work with high school principals in the scheduling of Advanced Placement courses as needed.  The Administrators of Schools shall coordinate Advanced Placement activities with the program of the Utah State Office of Education and The College Board.

    1. Advanced Placement Programs shall be conducted to give students experience in developing research and independent study skills and the potential to earn college credit for work completed in high school.
    2. Requests for participation in College Board Staff Development and other Advanced Placement Programs shall be prepared by the principal and submitted to the Administrators of Schools for approval.  Instructional staff members (consultants and coordinators) shall be consulted as requests are reviewed.
    3. Advanced Placement classes shall be taught by qualified instructors.  Depending upon the specific subject, Advanced Placement classes may have a smaller teacher/pupil ratio than non-Advanced Placement classes.
    4. Adequate and appropriate instructional materials shall be provided by the school where the course is taught.
    5. Annual reports of student enrollments in Advanced Placement classes and student achievements in final examinations shall be prepared by the Administrators of Schools in conjunction with the Utah State Office of Education.
    6. End-of-year final Advanced Placement exams shall be scheduled and administered by The College Board in conjunction with high schools nationwide.  The scheduled test dates cannot be adjusted by local authority.
    7. Test administration fee schedules are set by The College Board and are not subject to local Board of Education fee schedules. Principals, at their discretion, may use Advance Placement funds to assist students in need to offset the costs of Advanced Placement exams.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 9/8/2009
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board encourages and supports research projects relating to the various functions of the District.  The Board recognizes that current research data are required in the development of improved operational and instructional programs.  The Board delegates to the Administration the responsibility for policy regarding research in the District.
  2. Administrative Policy
    District administrators shall actively support and promote appropriate research by identifying and encouraging projects concerning operational and instructional programs.  In recognition of the need to coordinate such research efforts, the Administration shall appoint a Research Review Committee and delegate to the committee the responsibility for the review and approval of research project proposals.  The Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability shall accept and coordinate requests for research projects.

    1. The Administrators of Schools and the Director of Evaluation, Research and Accountability shall constitute the Research Review Committee.
    2. One Administrator of Schools serves as chairperson of the Research Review Committee.
    3. Administrators, principals, and consultants may be used as advisers to the Research Review Committee.
    4. The committee shall review all research proposals to determine their educational value and to evaluate the research design.  The Committee will then approve or disapprove each research project.
    5. Applicants requesting to conduct research projects shall submit to the Research Review Committee a completed Research Project application and a written proposal that outlines the purpose of the research, the methodology to be followed, the instruments to be used, and the anticipated benefits which shall accrue to the District upon completion of the research.
    6. Requests for budgeting support for research projects shall be prepared and submitted to the administrator in charge of research prior to March 1st.
    7. Following consideration by the Research Review Committee, formal notice of approval or disapproval shall be given to the applicant by the Committee chairperson.
    8. Administrators of Schools, division administrators, and department directors shall have the responsibility to coordinate approved research projects within their areas or departments.
    9. Upon completion of a research project, whether or not the District participates in the funding, a copy of the findings, thesis, dissertation or other written report shall be submitted to the administrator in charge of research.  The results of significant projects shall be reported to the Administrative Cabinet, appropriate staff members and/or the Board of Education by the chairperson of the Research Review Committee.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 7/14/1998
  • Reviewed: 5/28/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes that good discipline and control must be maintained in schools to provide a wholesome educational environment.  The Board, therefore, delegates to the District Administration responsibility for establishing policy for staff responsibility in disciplining students.
  2. Administrative Policy
    In order to maintain a good learning environment, each school principal shall work cooperatively with faculty members, parents, and students to establish a student code of conduct which outlines behavior requirements consistent with District administrative policies.  Individual teachers will be responsible for maintaining good discipline and control in their classes and extracurricular assignments.  All staff members will assist in maintaining discipline in other areas of the building and school grounds.

    1. Teachers and other staff members will promote good rapport with students by demonstrating qualities of honesty, fairness, and consistency in their dealings.  Teachers are expected to help students develop and maintain respect for themselves, for others, and for school property.
    2. Teachers will maintain effective control of the instructional situation in order to provide optimum learning opportunities for all students.  It is the responsibility of the teacher to plan lessons carefully and engage in instructional activities which further student interest.
    3. Principals will work with faculty members to develop and implement teaching methods to alleviate potential discipline problems in the classroom.  Such preventive measures might include:
      1. Redirecting student interest and energy away from disruptive channels toward productive activity.
      2. Involving students in learning situations through participation in individual projects, small group activities, role playing, or discussions.
    4. In situations where student behavior becomes disruptive to the extent that it interferes with the learning and teaching process, the principal or teacher may submit students to reasonable punishment.
      1. Student disciplinary action must be consistent with established rules and regulations.
      2. No one may inflict cruel or irresponsible punishment upon a student or exercise other liberties prohibited by statutory law including any form of corporal punishment as defined under Utah Code §53G-8-301(1).
      3. Students requiring discipline are to be dealt with in a professional and objective manner, without undue emotional display.
    5. When student behavior becomes disruptive to the extent that immediate measures must be taken to avoid personal injury or abuse to themselves or others, teachers, acting in loco parentis, may restrain to control the student or students involved.
    6. Corrective disciplinary measures shall be implemented in accordance with Policy AS67—Discipline of Students.
    7. Teachers will provide supervision in their classes and during assigned extracurricular assignments.
    8. Teachers have the responsibility to set and maintain high standards of behavior and act as role models to their students. (See Policy AS95 – Conduct Related to School Activities.)
    9. Teachers and other staff members have the responsibility to communicate with students and their parents in a professional manner.   Text messages to students must be of a professional, not personal nature.  The message content, and frequency will be used to determine if disciplinary action is taken by the District.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 3/26/19
  1. Board Directive
    It is the primary responsibility of parents to provide sex education for their children.  It is the responsibility of the schools to provide supportive instruction that will complement the efforts in the home.  The Board authorizes the District Administration to conduct instruction on health, family life, character, refusal skills, and the harmful effects of pornography within the framework of guidelines established by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and as approved by Jordan School District Board of Education.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration delegates to the Administrator of Teaching and Learning the responsibility for the review and selection of appropriate materials.  The Administration delegates to the Administrators of Schools the responsibility to ensure use of appropriate, approved and supportive educational instruction.

    1. Sex education is best described as that part of character education that develops a reverence and respect for birth and life, respect for the human body, respect for parenthood, and a respect for moral standards.  It includes instruction to develop understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, and psychological phases of human relations as they are affected by male and female relationships.  It includes more than the anatomical and reproductive information, and it emphasizes the development of positive attitudes, and provides guidance for building healthy relationships.
    2. Programs and materials relating to sex education shall be an the abstinence based curriculum approved by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
    3. All instructional materials shall be medically accurate and evidence based.
    4. Sex education shall be conducted within the framework of already existing courses such as Health, Biology, Psychology, Family and Consumer Science, and Physiology.
    5. Responsibilities of the Jordan School District
      1. The Administrators of Schools and the Administrator of Teaching and Learning involve community representatives and District personnel as members of a Health Education Committee. The Health Education Committee will review commercial materials, teacher prepared materials and professional programs considered for school use. Media, instructional materials and technology applications approved for use will be published and distributed to the schools.
      2. The Health Education Committee shall consist of the following: Administrator of Teaching and Learning, the District Health Consultant, seven (7) PTSA/parent representatives, one (1) high school health teacher, one (1) middle school health teacher, one (1) school counselor, one (1) school nurse, one (1) Board of Education member and one (1) elementary principal or assistant principal. Proposed courses of study, instructional units, and teaching materials relating specifically to sex education shall be screened by the Health Education Committee, and the approved list shall be submitted to the Jordan School District Administration for review and approval.  Approved materials are available for public viewing by request.
      3. The Health Education Committee shall review and report data to the local school board every two years as required by law. (Utah Code 53G-10-402)
      4. As parent interest warrants, classes for parents may be conducted in the adult high school program (Southpointe High School) or at the Jordan Family Education Center.  These classes would focus on parenting skills that would enhance the parents’ role as they teach their children responsible values and attitudes about sexuality.
      5. Each elementary school shall plan an elective maturation program for each fifth-grade girl and her parents and each fifth-grade boy and his parents.  Students may opt out of the program with written permission from their parents to their school.  The main purposes of the program will be to provide accurate information about sexual development and to encourage discussion in the home.  At the discretion of the school principal, students and their parents from other grades may be invited to attend.
      6. Jordan School District will manage a logging and tracking system of parental and community complaints and comments resulting from student participation in human sexuality instruction.
      7. Violators of USBE policy are to be reported to the State Board Commission.
      8. Provide training for health educators, allowing them to review USBE rules and instructional materials once every three years.
    6. Responsibilities of Jordan Health Educators
      1. Parent approval shall be obtained by sex education teachers in writing, using the USBE consent form. Materials that will be used in school presentations will be made available to parents upon request prior to the presentations taking place.  Selected programs must come from the published, approved list.
      2. New teachers are required to attend a state-sponsored professional development as they begin their career. Thereafter, teachers must complete a required professional development once every three years.
      3. Use instructional materials that are medically accurate and aligned with the Utah Health Core. Teachers may respond to students’ questions to provide accurate data or correct inaccurate or misleading information.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 3/29/2016
  • Reviewed: 3/26/2013
  1. Board Directive
    Field trips are an integral part of the instructional program and may be provided to enrich or expand learning opportunities for students.  Field trips shall be used to place a variety of civic, cultural, community, and business resources within the reach of the classroom.  Within funding limitations, it is the philosophy of the Jordan School District Board of Education to assure all schools an equal opportunity to receive bus service for field trips. The Board authorizes the Administration to implement a policy for field trips.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration shall be responsible to see that field trip experiences, which are directly related to established curriculum goals, are provided according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Field trip authorization
      1. Field trips of less than one (1) day duration shall be coordinated and authorized by the school principal who is responsible to assure that adequate funding is available through an appropriate funding source.  In elementary schools, field trips outside of Salt Lake, Utah and Davis Counties must be approved by the Administrator of Schools.
      2. Overnight travel must be authorized by an Administrator of Schools. (Refer to Policy AA414—Student Overnight Travel.)
      3. District consultants, coordinators, and teacher specialists may be assigned to coordinate field trip activities sponsored at the District level.
    2. A Field Trip Planning Guide shall be completed by staff and approved by the school principal for each proposed field trip.  The following information shall be provided by the teacher(s) or adviser(s) requesting the field trip:
      1. A description of the field trip including the purpose of the trip, place of destination, class or sponsoring organization, and number of students involved.
      2. An outline of the field trip curriculum including instruction prior to the event, during transit, at the point of destination, and evaluation or follow-up activities after the event.
    3. All field trips must adhere to established policies and regulations governing student safety, including use of an authorized means of transportation which meets all District and State requirements for transporting students, parent permission for student participation, and an adequate number of qualified adult supervisors who have passed a District background check, if needed.
    4. Bus service
      1. Principals must apply to the District Transportation Department for bus service for field trips a minimum of two weeks in advance.  The Request for Transportation Service should be completed online and approved by the principal and the Director of Transportation.
      2. District buses are generally available to provide field trip service beginning 15 minutes after the latest school starting time and ending 30 minutes prior to the earliest school closing time.
      3. Requests for bus service are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.  Special authorization may be obtained from the Administrator of Schools in hardship or special needs circumstances.
      4. District buses are not authorized to travel in hazardous terrain including unimproved or unmaintained roads.
      5. District buses are not authorized to travel in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons during winter months or inclement weather.
      6. Field trip drivers will be compensated as follows:
        1. Monday-Friday:   Drivers shall be paid for a minimum of two (2) hours or the actual time spent on field trip/activity runs. Time will include plus one-half hour for cleaning and fueling the bus.  If the field trip/activity run is cancelled while the driver is on duty or the trip assignment is one-way (either to or from an event), drivers shall be paid for a minimum of two hours with the one-half hour allowance for inspecting, cleaning and fueling the bus included as part of the minimum.  The additional costs will be charged to the school or department that cancels the activity.
        2. Weekend/Holidays:  If the school fails to cancel the field trip prior to the driver showing up at the bus facility, the driver shall be paid a minimum of four (4) hours. The costs will be charged to the school or department that failed to cancel the activity.
      7. If the field trip/activity run is not completed on time and a substitute must be assigned to the driver's regular route, the school shall pay a minimum of two additional hours to cover substitute costs.
      8. In accordance with Federal Department of Transportation Regulations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 395, a Jordan School District bus driver may only be on duty for 15 hours, followed by a full eight (8) hours of off-duty rest time. A driver may only drive for ten (10) of those 15 on-duty hours. Care should be taken to make sure drivers are well rested so they can operate the bus safely. The schools will be responsible to provide for the expenses incurred to be in compliance with this regulation, to include a separate hotel room for each driver and any mileage or travel expenses for additional relief drivers.
      9. Jordan School District buses are not authorized to operate between 1:00 A.M. and 4:00 A.M.
      10. When students are engaged in an activity where a change of clothing is required, schools should make arrangements for a changing room for students.  School buses shall not be used as a dressing room.
      11. Upon arrival at the field trip/activity run destination, drivers shall secure the bus and remain accessible to the group unless otherwise instructed by the administrator in charge.
      12. The school administration shall assure that one or more responsible, adult supervisors are aboard each bus that is on a field trip/activity run.
      13. Drivers shall make every effort to assure safety and shall follow established procedures for student discipline.  (See District Policy DA170—School Bus Discipline.)
      14. It is not permitted for drivers to transport family members unless they are part of the group/class paying for the trip.
      15. It is not permitted for Jordan School District buses to travel across state lines.
    5. When the District does not provide transportation in connection with a school-related activity or event, the following will apply:
      1. Each student desiring to participate in such an activity or event must submit a “Participation Disclosure and Acknowledgment” form signed by the student and the student’s parent or guardian which acknowledges that no transportation is being provided by the District and that the student’s participation is conditioned on the student arranging for his or her own transportation to events or competitions associated with the activity.  The student may not be a member of the particular team or organization, nor participate in the activity, unless a completed “Participation Disclosure and Acknowledgement” form is on file.
      2. When involved in CTE/work-based learning experiences, students will utilize the “Activity Authorization” form developed by the Wasatch Front South Consortium.

 

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1960
  • Revision: 2/25/2014
  1. Board Directive
    A kindergarten program shall be maintained as a regular part of the elementary instructional program offered to the children living within the Jordan School District boundaries.  In the state of Utah, enrollment in a kindergarten program is not required and is the decision of the student’s parent(s)/guardian.  Compulsory education begins at age six as defined in Utah Code 53G-6-202.  The Board authorizes the Administration to develop policy and implement a kindergarten program in the District.
  2.  Administrative Policy
    1.  Kindergarten classes, taught by certified teachers, will be provided in all elementary schools in Jordan School District.
    2. Age Eligibility
      1. Eligible children shall be five (5) years of age before September 2 of any particular school year in accordance with Utah Code 53G-4-402(6) except as provided in Section 53E-3-902.
      2. A birth certificate issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics shall be required of all children at the time of their entrance into kindergarten.  Exceptions, if any, must be approved by the administrator for the Planning and Student Services Department.
    3. Purposes
      The kindergarten program shall provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment in which each child will participate in:

      1. A school setting that helps clarify and develop relationships with other children and adults.
      2. Activities for learning and practicing essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and study skills to build a quality educational foundation.
      3. Large and small group instruction, learning centers with differentiated learning, and intervention and acceleration when appropriate.
      4. Opportunities to develop feelings of security and self-worth through recognized successes.
      5. Experiences that encourage accountability and increased independence for achieving academically and intellectually.
      6. A curriculum with clear instructional targets, based on Utah State Core Standards, with differentiated instruction rich in literacy, math, technology, art, music, dance/movement, physical education, science, and social studies.
    4. The fulfillment of the above purposes shall be accomplished through a variety of means. Jordan School District shall meet its responsibility in the following ways:
      1. It is preferred that kindergarten teachers employed by Jordan School District shall hold an Early Childhood (K-3) licenses; however, in certain circumstances an individual that holds a Utah Educator License with an Elementary (1-8) License Area of Concentration can earn an Early Childhood (K-3) License as determined by the Utah Office of Education.
      2. The Teaching and Learning Department shall provide principals and teachers with district and school-based professional development to meet educational and instructional needs.
      3. Under the direction of the Administrator of Teaching and Learning, with the assistance of committees, consultants who are experts in early childhood education, and others as needed, District guides shall be developed for implementing the Utah State Core Standards for kindergarten and for continuous improvement.
      4. The District shall provide teachers with materials, textbooks, and online resources as needed.
      5. The number of kindergarten classes provided at each location shall be based on projected enrollment following District FTE guidelines.