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Category: Teaching and Learning (DE500 – DE599)

Published on
  • Effective:  9/22/2020
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education recognizes the statutory requirement for individual school districts to administer the statewide assessment system to uniformly measure statewide student performance.  The Board further recognizes the public investment in statewide assessments, and supports an orderly and manageable process to allow private and home school students to participate in public school achievement tests if desired, in accordance with R277-604.  The Administration is authorized by the Board of Education to establish Administrative Regulations consistent with this policy.
  2. Administrative Policy
    It is the policy of the Administration to address parent requests for statewide testing of home school or private school students with the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Definitions
      1. "Home school student" means a student who has been excused from compulsory education and for whom documentation has been completed under 53G-6-204, R277-404-2 and AA438-Releasing Minors from School Attendance.
      2. "Private school" means a school that is not a public school but:
        1. has a current business license through the Utah Department of Commerce;
        2. is accredited as described in R277-410; and
        3. has and makes available a written policy for maintaining and securing student records.
      3. “Statewide Assessment” means:
        1. the summative adaptive assessment of a student in grades 3 through 8 in basic skills courses;
        2. the online writing assessment in grades 5 and 8;
        3. a high school assessment in grades 9 and 10;
        4. a statewide English Language proficiency assessment;
        5. the college readiness assessment;
        6. the summative adaptive assessment of a student in grades 1-3 to measure reading grade level using the end of year benchmark reading assessment; and
        7. the summative adaptive assessment of a student in grades 1-3 to measure math grade level using the end of year benchmark math assessment.
    2. Procedure for Statewide Assessments - Participation for Private Schools and Private School Students
      1. Applications for participation in statewide assessments must be received by Evaluation, Research & Accountability at least forty-five (45) days prior to the opening of the applicable assessment window. Evaluation, Research & Accountability shall respond to the application in a timely manner.
      2. Private schools that are interested in participating in statewide assessments must participate, at the school district’s discretion, in the public school district where the private school is located.
      3. The number of private school students will be limited to space available after currently enrolled public school students have been accommodated.
      4. In the event that a private school student has an IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan in place requiring special accommodations, it is the responsibility of the private school to indicate such at the time of the application. Evaluation, Research & Accountability shall review the requested accommodation(s) and determine the feasibility of the request.  The private school shall be informed of the results of the determination prior to the testing date.
      5. A private school may request the following from the school district in which it is located:
        1. an annual schedule of statewide assessment dates;
        2. the location at which private schools may be tested; and
        3. written policies for private school student participation.
      6. Private school students who are not Utah residents may participate in statewide assessments only by payment in advance of the full cost of individual assessments.
        1. Evaluation, Research & Accountability shall provide reasonable costs for the participation of Utah private school students in statewide assessments to be paid in advance by either the student or the student’s private school.
        2. Evaluation, Research & Accountability shall provide an explanation of reasonable costs including administration materials, scoring, and reporting of assessment results.
        3. Evaluation, Research & Accountability shall provide notice to private school administrators of any required private school administrator participation in monitoring or proctoring of tests.
      7. Assessment results will be delivered electronically to the email address of the private school administrator indicated in the application.
    3. Procedure for Statewide Assessment Participation of Home School Students
      1. The student must have completed and submitted an Annual Home School Affidavit and received a District Certificate of Exemption from Planning & Enrollment.
      2. Applications for participation in statewide assessments must be received by the Evaluation, Research & Accountability department at least forty-five (45) days prior to the opening of the applicable assessment window. Evaluation, Research & Accountability shall respond to the application in a timely manner.
      3. A home school student may participate in statewide assessments only if the student has satisfied the home school requirements of 53G-6-204, R277-404-2, and AA438-Releasing Minors from School Attendance.
      4. A home school student who desires to participate in statewide assessments must participate in the public school district in which the home school student’s parent or legal guardian resides.
      5. In the event that a home school student has an IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan in place requiring special accommodations, it is the responsibility of the applicant/parent to indicate such at the time of the application. Evaluation, Research & Accountability shall review the requested accommodation(s) and determine the feasibility of the request.  The applicant/parent shall be informed of the results of the determination prior to the testing date.
      6. A home school student or parent may request the following from Evaluation, Research & Accountability in which the home school student or parent resides:
        1. an annual schedule of statewide assessment dates;
        2. the location at which the home school student may be tested; and
        3. written policies for home school student participation.
      7. The Jordan School District may not require a home school student to pay a fee that is not charged to traditional students.
      8. Evaluation, Research & Accountability shall provide notice to home school students or parents of any required parent or adult participation in monitoring or proctoring of tests.
      9. Assessment results will be delivered electronically to the email address of the student’s parent indicated in the

Published on
  • Effective: 7/12/1988
  • Revision: 8/17/2010
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board is committed to the observance of federal and state copyright laws and publisher licensing agreements.  The Board supports the legal, ethical, and appropriate use of copyrighted materials.  The Board delegates responsibility to the District Administration for enforcing the policy according to established administrative policy provisions.
  2. Administrative Policy
    To assure compliance with Jordan District’s copyright policy, the District Administration shall endeavor to keep abreast of the current status and changes in copyright legislation, annually provide in-service training for all employees in Jordan School District concerning copyright policy; provide reference information on copyright laws; and promote employee and student compliance with copyright policy, guidelines and law.

    1. The Superintendent of Schools or the Superintendent’s designee shall be responsible for keeping District and school administration appraised of changes in copyright law and how these changes apply to new technologies.
    2. District department administrators/principals shall be responsible for review of policy DE505—Acceptable Use of Copyrighted Materials in Jordan School District and educating employees concerning the legal, ethical, and appropriate use of copyrighted materials as defined by law and Jordan School District Copyright Guidelines, as well as potential consequences of illegal and/or inappropriate use.
    3. Educators shall be responsible for educating students concerning the legal, ethical, and appropriate use of copyrighted materials as defined by law and Jordan School District Copyright Guidelines, as well as potential consequences of illegal and inappropriate use.
    4. The principal and/or the principal’s designee(s) is/are responsible for providing guidance to staff members on copyright issues.  A principal’s designee is a licensed educator who has demonstrated in-depth knowledge and understanding of current Utah State Code, the Copyright Law of the United States of American and Related Laws, and the Utah State Core Curriculum for the content area which the licensed educator has been identified as the principal’s designee.  It is the responsibility of employees to obtain copyrighted information and guidance from these individuals.
    5. Employees shall be responsible for the legal, ethical, and appropriate use of copyrighted materials as defined by this policy.  Employees who violate the Copyright Law of the United States of America and Related Laws or policy DE505—Acceptable Use of Copyrighted Materials in Jordan School District or the Jordan School District Copyright Guidelines will be subject to discipline under policy DP316 NEG—Orderly Termination Procedures—Licensed, policy 316A—Orderly Termination Procedures— Administrators, or policy DP316B—Orderly Termination Procedures—Education Support Professionals.  In addition, employees who violate the Copyright Law of the United States of America and Related Laws may face legal consequences.
    6. Students shall be responsible for the legal, ethical, and appropriate use of copyrighted materials as defined by this policy.  Students who violate the Copyright Law of the United States of America and Related Laws or policy DE505—Acceptable Use of Copyrighted Materials in Jordan School District or the Jordan School District Copyright Guidelines will be subject to discipline under policy AS67 NEG—Discipline of Students and policy AA419—Student Conduct and Dress.  In addition, students who violate the Copyright Law of the United States of America and Related Laws may face legal consequences.
    7. The District Copyright Policy Review Committee will annually review the Jordan School District Copyright Guidelines, which are located on the Instructional Support Services Department website, and make recommendations for appropriate revisions.  Committee membership shall be approved by District Administration and consist of the following:
      1. The District Administration’s designee, who will chair the committee
      2. The Administrator of Teaching and Learning or his/her designee
      3. The Director of Information Systems or his/her designee
      4. One principal from each school level and a principal-selected classroom teacher from his/her school
      5. One library media specialist representing each school level
      6. One District Literature Selection and Review Committee parent/guardian member from each of the three level committees

2/25/2020: Board of Education approved the term “Education Support Professionals” to replace “Classified” to describe personnel not licensed as educators.

Published on
  • Effective: 9/10/1985
  • Revision: 9/13/2011
  • Reviewed: 5/28/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes that students and schools benefit from the services of school volunteers.  Therefore, the Board authorizes the District Administration to provide opportunities for schools to receive volunteer services through the PTA, School Community Council, school/business partnerships, senior citizen organizations, and other groups and individuals with an interest in promoting quality education.  Individuals who serve in authorized volunteer programs or who volunteer at the request of a school administrator, teacher, or other employee shall be considered "Volunteer Government Workers" as defined in Utah Code 67-20—Volunteer Government Workers Act.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Jordan District's volunteer program shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. The school principal shall be responsible for volunteer programs at the local school.  The principal may use the services of a school volunteer coordinator as necessary.  The principal and/or school volunteer coordinator shall:
      1. Ensure that all volunteers complete a Volunteer Information Application each year prior to volunteering.
      2. Use the volunteer resources available through parent organizations, school business partnerships, senior citizens, retired personnel, student volunteers, community volunteers, university students and staff members, and others as opportunity permits.
      3. Assure that volunteer resources are directed toward goals that have been agreed upon by the faculty, School Community Council, PTA, etc.
      4. Maintain appropriate records of volunteer services.
      5. Prepare an annual report on volunteer services for the school / District to be shared with School Community Councils and other stakeholders.
    2. A criminal background check shall be made prior to giving volunteers unsupervised access to students.
      1. Upon receiving a request from the principal, the Human Resources Department shall initiate the background check.
      2. The potential volunteer shall be fingerprinted and sign a waiver facilitating a search of the Utah Criminal History file.
      3. No one whose record shows a felony or misdemeanor conviction in an area which causes concern for the safety and well-being of students shall be given unsupervised access to students.

Published on
  • Effective: 3/9/1982
  • Revision: 1/23/2024
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    Students in the Jordan School District are entitled to a broad educational experience utilizing appropriate curriculum materials.  The Board recognizes the need for students to become proficient in the skills and competencies included in the Utah state core standards. The implementation or design of instructional materials will be consistent with community and core standards, maintaining fidelity to the core standards for Utah public schools and selecting evidence-based instructional tools and assessments. The Board delegates to the District Administration the responsibility of organizing a Curriculum Adoption and Review Committee.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Jordan School District's Curriculum Adoption and Review Committee shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Learning materials should contribute to the intellectual development of students. These materials should be:
      1. Aligned to the Utah Core Standards, specified course standards, Utah state laws and regulations, applicable USBE rules, and JSD Board policy
      2. Supported by generally accepted standards of evidence
      3. Accurate and factual
      4. Age appropriate
      5. Reflective of contributions from authors, artists, or appropriate experts in the field that represent diverse viewpoints, ethnic and cultural backgrounds and experiences
      6. Representative of diverse cultures
      7. Free of biases or stereotypes related to sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity
      8. Contributes to a balanced perspective
      9. Aligned to support personalized competency-based learning
      10. Compatible with District technology systems, of high technical quality, and easy to use
      11. In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
    2. Definitions
      1. Learning Material - any material used to deliver or support student learning.
        1. Primary Instructional Materials: learning materials that a local school board adopts and approves for use districtwide for student instruction and assessment. Primary instructional materials do not include learning materials used to teach specific electives, concurrent enrollment, advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Language Immersion (DLI), and technical education (CTE) courses.
        2. Supplemental Materials: learning materials an educator selects for classroom use that have not been adopted, approved, or prohibited by a local school board. Supplemental materials may include print and digital resources for educator or student use. Supplemental materials are used for the express purpose of providing context, support, and relevance to student learning.
    3. Primary Instructional Materials
      The Board delegates to the District Administration and the Administrator of Teaching and Learning the responsibility of organizing a Curriculum Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to provide transparency and understanding in reviewing current primary instructional materials and to provide feedback to the Board in anticipation of adopting new primary instructional materials.

      1. The Curriculum Advisory Committee will:
        1. Review program evaluation data, needs assessment, usage, possible vendors, and curriculum options in anticipation of conducting an RFP (Request for Proposal). The Committee may also review the following:  the reuse or disposal of primary instructional materials in the schools; state-recommended instructional materials (RIMs) and identification of possible primary instructional materials and support materials most appropriate for use in the District; implementation, and possible professional development needs.
        2. Provide notification and information to the Board prior to the RFP process in anticipation of adopting primary instructional materials.
        3. The Committee will meet annually to review primary instructional materials that may be needed within the following school year(s) but may be called into special session as needed.
        4. Members of the Committee will be appointed as follows:
          1) The Board will designate seven members from the community representing each administrative area.
          2)           Administrative Cabinet will designate a total of six school administrators to serve on the Committee with representation from each of the administrative areas.
          3) A District Teaching and Learning consultant will serve as a Committee member and will function as secretary of the Committee.
          4) Six teacher representatives will be nominated by the school principals and consultants.  Committee members will be selected from the lists of nominees and approved by the Administrative Cabinet.  Teacher members will be those who have demonstrated competency in the curriculum area being studied.
          5) Four community members, three principals, and three teacher representatives will serve two-year terms which will expire on the odd year. The other three community members, three principals, and three teacher representatives will also serve two-year terms which will expire on the even year, except the inaugural three-year term to provide a staggered service period.
      2. Following Board notification, specific Request for Proposal (RFP) Committees will be established around the specific curricular content.
        1. Materials requirements and selection criteria are used to develop a technical rubric.
        2. A request for proposals is sent to vendors; Online/digital materials must include in the contract that the provider must notify the District of any material changes to the content.
        3. Applications for service on the RFP committee and sub-committees are sought from the community and educators.
        4. Committee members are trained on their responsibilities, review materials, and apply the rubric to obtain a score using the criteria.
        5. As needed, a presentation phase is scheduled for committee members to hear from vendors.
        6. If scores are not conclusive, a more detailed rubric is applied to vendors with the highest scores.
        7. A pricing rubric is applied to the highest scoring vendors.
        8. Once a vendor has been selected based on the RFP process, the primary instructional materials will be shared with the Board in a public meeting.
        9. Recommended primary instructional materials will then be posted online or shared in a public open house while feedback is collected.
        10. Following the public opportunity for review, materials will be brought again to two public Board of Education meetings for comment, review, and approval.
    4. Supplemental Materials
      Supplemental materials are not specifically adopted by the Board. Teachers have discretion to select appropriate supplemental materials to enhance and enrich student learning. When selecting supplemental materials, teachers should adhere to the following practices, as applicable.

      1. For core areas that have District-wide adopted instructional materials, teachers shall utilize the District-wide adopted material as the primary instructional tool and select supplemental materials as appropriate to provide support, context, and relevance to student learning.
      2. Supplemental materials shall be aligned to the Utah Core Standards, specified course standards, Utah state laws and regulations, applicable USBE rules, and JSD Board policy.
      3. Teachers may choose novels, books to be read aloud, books used as instructional materials, and books used in literature circles from the District approved lists that are aligned with state core standards, interest levels, community standards, backgrounds, and needs of students. See administrative policy AA424 Literature Selection and Review.
      4. Teachers shall vet all instructional materials thoroughly to ensure age and developmental appropriateness and relevance.
      5. Teachers will communicate to parents the use of supplemental materials through course disclosures, welcome letters, class information materials, learning management systems, student portals, etc.
      6. As a resource, teachers should consult the RIMS database for state approved supplemental materials that meet students’ needs.
      7. Learning software or materials with a digital component must be listed as approved on Learn Platform by Teaching and Learning and approved by the Information Systems department prior to use.
      8. Online/digital materials must include in the contract that the provider must notify the District of any material changes to the content.

 

Related policies:

AA411 – Sex Education

AA424 – Literature Selection and Review

AA440 – Library Media Selection and Review

AA445 – Student Information Network Acceptable Use Policy

D200 – Philosophy of Instruction

DE500 – Curriculum Development

DE505 – Acceptable Use of Copyrighted Materials in Jordan School District

 

Published on
  • Effective: 10/28/1975
  • Revision: 2/25/2014
  1. Board Directive
    The Board values creativity, innovation and collaboration.  This policy clarifies ownership and proper usage of intellectual property rights.  Authority for establishing and enforcing policy is delegated to the Administration.
  2. Administrative Policy
    1. It is the policy of the Administration that all original materials created by District employees or any person receiving funding administered by the District, shall be solely owned by Jordan School District with the followings exceptions:
      1. The District shall have no ownership rights of regular academic work products not assigned or specifically ordered by the District, which shall be owned by its creator.
      2. For intellectual property created under a contractual agreement, ownership shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
      3. Individuals who create teaching materials to be used in jointly developed and taught District courses grant permission to the District to permit other contributors of the course to continue using those jointly produced teaching materials.
    2. There will be a respect for all materials protected by copyright.  This includes printed materials, sound recordings, broadcasts, and electronic media (see policy DE505—Acceptable Use of Copyrighted Materials in Jordan School District).
    3. Materials protected by copyright will be used only with the written permission of the holder of the copyright and will be labeled as specified by copyright.
    4. All letters granting permission to reproduce materials protected by copyright will be maintained by the Administrator of Teaching and Learning or designee.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 9/8/2009
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2013
  1. Board Directive
    Increasing student growth and  achievement is one of the primary goals of the Board of Education. The Board recognizes that curriculum development and revision are an integral part of the educational process and are essential if the school system is to offer educational programs that will increase growth and achievement and accomplish the following to meet student and community needs:

    1. Provide appropriate, effective professional development for teachers which will promote high-level student growth and achievement.
    2. Support effective coordination and articulation of school learning experiences.
    3. Provide instruction that is relevant and responsive to the ever-changing world.
      Therefore, the Board commissions the Administration of the District to develop programs, procedures and goals to assist in the development and improvement of curriculum.  These curriculum development procedures should involve teachers, administrators, the Board, students and citizens of the community, as the responsibility for success is one that is mutually shared.  Curriculum, in this context, is used to refer to all planned learning experiences of students both in class and out of class which are conducted by the school.
  2. Administrative Policy
    Instruction is the primary function of the District; therefore the Administration delegates the major responsibility for curriculum development to the Teaching and Learning Department under the direction of the Administrator of Teaching and Learning.  The Administrator of Teaching and Learning will work cooperatively with the Administrators of Schools to direct and facilitate activities that will upgrade and keep current the curriculum policies, guidelines and programs in the District.

    1. Master planning for the entire school system shall be developed and shall provide for evaluation, research and experimentation as well as systematic processes and orderly procedures and practices.
    2. Curriculum development shall be implemented for specific purposes to meet needs identified by the District.
    3. The principal is the educational/instructional leader of the school.  Implementation of curriculum and instruction in the classroom and in the individual schools shall take place under the direction of the school principal and shall include staff development, planning, and supervision of professional personnel.
    4. Curriculum decisions will be based upon careful study and consideration of four (4) major areas:
      1. Improvement of instruction with accountability for student learning and student results;
      2. The learner and the implementation of best practices associated with the learning process according to valid and reliable research and evidence;
      3. New developments in subject, subject fields, and in specific subject competency; and
      4. Formative and summative data.
    5. Curriculum development shall include the following individuals and groups:
      1. District administrators, consultants, and staff specialists shall provide leadership in master planning, coordination of programs and dissemination of information.
      2. Principals and teachers shall engage in local school improvement activities that  align curriculum with effective and appropriate instruction, and formative and summative assessments.
      3. Students’ needs, abilities, interests and talents shall be included in the development of curriculum designs.
      4. Parents/guardians and/or patrons may be consulted regarding major curriculum changes and shall be included on ad hoc study groups.
      5. State specialists, university instructors and other experts may be used as resource persons when necessary.
    6. To avoid unnecessary duplication of curriculum effort and to expedite the exchange of curriculum ideas, the Administrator of Teaching and Learning shall serve as the District curriculum clearinghouse and shall, with the assistance of Administrators of Schools, coordinate school-level curricular projects or activities.
    7. The Administrator of Teaching and Learning with the assistance of the Administrators of Schools shall establish procedures and guidelines ensuring the orderly formation, coordination and communication of curriculum development activities to principals and teachers.