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Tag: Instruction

Published on

Effective: 7/14/1998
Revision: 12/10/2002
Reviewed: 12/10/2013

  1. Board Directive
    The Board supports work-based learning (WBL) programs for students. The Board recognizes responsibilities associated with placing students in work and community environments outside the school setting. The Board also recognizes that consistent practices throughout the six districts in the Wasatch Front South Consortium (Canyons, Granite, Jordan, Murray, Salt Lake City and Tooele School Districts) will encourage employers to participate in work-based learning experiences. Therefore, the Board supports:

    1. Clear and concise practices across all business, industry and community sites throughout the Wasatch Front;
    2. Uniform safety procedures across all work-based learning experiences;
    3. Consistency in WBL forms and procedures used in implementing work-based learning experiences; and
    4. Compliance with Utah Code §53G-7-902 Public or Private School Internships; R277-915 Work-Based Learning for Interns.

    The Board authorizes the Administration to develop and administer a policy for the work-based learning program in Jordan School District.

  2. Administrative Policy
    Jordan School District adopts the WBL forms and procedures found in the Wasatch Front South Consortium Work-Based Learning Manual, as well as the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. As required by law, procedures shall cover the following areas:
      1. Training for student interns, student intern supervisors, and cooperating employers regarding health hazards and safety procedures in the workplace;
      2. Standards and procedures for approval of off-campus work sites;
      3. Transportation options for students to and from the work sites;
      4. Appropriate supervision by employers at the work site;
      5. Adequate insurance coverage provided either by the student, the program, or the District;
      6. Appropriate supervision and evaluation of students by the District; and
      7. Appropriate involvement and approval by the parents of students in work-based intern programs.
    2. All work-based learning experiences shall be consistent with the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, Part 520, 29 CFR and Administrative Letter Rulings: Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (pp. 226 and 228, July 1996).

Published on
  • Effective: 12/13/1988
  • Revision: 9/22/2015
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education allows secondary students to be released from school during the regular school day for the purpose of attending classes in religious instruction.  The Board holds that this policy does not violate the Constitutional requirement for separation of church and state so long as the school system and the particular church providing the religious instruction during the released time remain separate and neither institution invades the domain of the other.  Released time for religious instruction is not to be confined to any one religion.  The Board delegates to the District Administration responsibility for implementing this policy in compliance with Utah law and in accordance with State and District policy.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration directs the Administrators of Schools to work with secondary school principals to implement a program which honors parental requests for student released time for religious instruction during the school day according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Students will be granted released time for religious instruction only upon the written request of their parents or legal guardian.
    2. Released time is limited to one (1) class period per day.
    3. Released time is not to be granted during times when it interferes with completion of the student's regular course of study or with classes required for graduation.
    4. School credit will not be awarded for released time classes.
    5. School personnel shall not monitor attendance, maintain records, or perform any other work related to released time classes.
    6. Records of released time class attendance, released time grades, marks or other released time information are not to be included on the student's school report card or other school records.
    7. Released time class instructors are not members of the school faculty nor are they to be included as faculty members or considered faculty members in any school functions.
    8. Public school teachers, administrators, or other officials may not request released time instructors to exercise functions or assume responsibilities for public school programs which commingle activities of the two institutions.
    9. School publications shall not publish articles, pictures, reports, or records related to released time class functions or activities.

Published on
  • Effective: 5/23/1978
  • Revision: 2/25/2014
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education recognizes the importance of providing instruction to students who are confined to home or hospital.  The Board also recognizes the need to maintain contact between the school and the home during the time when these students are unable to attend school.  The Board, therefore, delegates to the Administration responsibility for developing policy for a Home and Hospital Instruction Program for students who are unable to attend school due to injury, illness or other extenuating circumstances.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration shall establish a program to provide instruction to convalescing students in grades one through twelve to alleviate concern over academic work/credit, to maintain the skills necessary for returning to the classroom, and to assure ongoing home/school contact during the term of the illness, injury, or extenuating circumstances.  The District provides opportunities for short-term services through the student’s boundary school as well as long-term services for those students who may need extended out-of-school services.   The Home and Hospital Program will be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Qualifications for Services
      1. The student lives within the boundaries of Jordan School District and is enrolled in a Jordan District school.
      2. The student is confined at home or in a hospital due to physical or emotional illness, injury, handicap, complications of pregnancy, or extenuating circumstances.
      3. The student has missed or expects to miss ten (10) or more consecutive days of school.
      4. The student's condition will allow 50 percent or less attendance during the school day.
      5. Home and Hospital Instruction is recommended by the student's physician, medical professional, licensed clinical social worker, licensed psychotherapist, or legally directed services, and is requested by the parent(s)/guardian(s).
    2. Providing Services
      1. The parent will need to notify the administrator at the student’s school to inform them of the need for Home and Hospital services.  The school administrator will initiate the required procedures to begin the Home and Hospital services .  All required documentation will be submitted to the District prior to teacher reimbursement.
      2. The student's physician, medical professional, licensed social worker, or licensed psychotherapist shall be asked to estimate the length of time that Home and Hospital Instruction services will be needed.  Minimum duration of services is two weeks and maximum service is nine weeks without additional follow-up with referring medical provider.
      3. Short-term services will be initiated at the school by the building administrator.  The Request for Home and Hospital Instruction form, the Short-term Services Disclosure Statement, and the Professional Statement of Needs form need to be submitted to the District with the time sheet for the first month and the Monthly Teaching Record.
      4. Long-term services require the Home and Hospital Teacher Specialist to meet with the family and complete all required documentation to be submitted to the District Office with the time sheet for the first month and the Monthly Teaching Record.
      5. Home and Hospital Instruction services shall be provided for pregnant girls only when extenuating circumstances make it inadvisable or impossible for the student to participate at their boundary school or in the teenage parent program offered through Valley High School.
      6. Home and Hospital Instruction services may be denied or discontinued if it appears that the services are worsening the student's condition, increasing or prolonging school phobia or anxiety, or otherwise having a harmful impact upon the student.
      7. In most cases, the duration of services shall be determined by the administrator after consultation with the medical professional requesting Home and Hospital services per the medical release form.
      8. If it appears that the program is being abused by the parent or student, the administrator will initiate a formal review with the program consultant for Student Intervention Services or the District Administrator administering the Home and Hospital Program.
      9. Students attending schools that are on a year-round calendar will be provided Home and Hospital services only during the weeks when their assigned track is in session.
      10. Secondary students in grades 9-12 requiring long-term services of Home and Hospital (nine weeks or more) will be transferred to Valley High School.  The Home and Hospital instruction will be provided in the home or other designated public location (e.g., library, police or fire station) under the direction of the program consultant for Student Intervention Services.
      11. During the last two quarters of the school year, seniors who are on line for graduation and not involved in an extensive makeup program shall receive Home and Hospital services from their local school to enable the student to graduate from that school.
      12. Instruction for students who are expelled/suspended for drug and alcohol violations will be provided by the local school or Valley High School as specified in the District policies AS67— Discipline of Students  and AS90—Drugs and Alcohol.
      13. The District Appeals Committee may rule that some students will receive their education for a designated period of time through the Home and Hospital program as an alternative to their local school.  These services will be provided by either the local school or Valley High as directed by the Appeals Committee.
    3. Assignment of Teachers
      1. Short-term services:   Students shall be taught by teachers whenever possible, from the class and school in which they are enrolled.  When an appropriate teacher is not available, the administrator may arrange for a teacher from another school.
      2. School administrators shall make short-term Home and Hospital teaching assignments on the basis of teacher interest, availability, and curriculum qualifications.
        1. Teachers shall be reimbursed for providing Home and Hospital Instruction at their current hourly base rate.
        2. One half hour of preparation time is allowed for each two hours of actual instruction.
        3. Teachers shall receive a mileage reimbursement at the current district rate.  Mileage is based upon the distance from the school to the student's home or other designated public location (e.g., library, police or fire station) and to the instructor’s home.  If visiting multiple students on the same trip, mileage shall also be paid for the distance between students’ homes/locations when necessary. Time required for travel is not part of the two-hour instruction time.
        4. Teachers  shall submit the required documentation accessed online, each month prior to being reimbursed for services.
        5. The administrators shall submit time sheets for Home and Hospital Instruction along with the designated copy of the Home and Hospital Teaching Record Form signed by the parent to the Teaching and Learning Office
      3. Long-term teacher assignment will be determined by the District Administrator over Home and Hospital  to meet individual student needs.
    4. Instruction
      1. Home Instruction
        1. Instruction shall be provided at the student's home or other designated public location (e.g., library, police or fire station) after regular school hours for short-term services and during the school day or after regular school hours for long-term services.  Generally, one two-hour instruction session shall be provided per week.  With administrator  approval, two one-hour sessions may be provided if it is deemed in the best interest of the student.  (One-hour sessions are generally only used with elementary-age students.)
        2. A parent or other responsible adult must be present in the home during the instruction session.  If the parent or guardian fails to provide proper chaperonage, the instruction session shall be canceled.
        3. Textbooks shall be furnished by the school where the student is enrolled. When appropriate. additional coursework will be provided through the Teaching and Learning Department..
      2. Hospital Instruction
        1. Jordan District shall provide teachers, textbooks, and instructional materials for students confined to approved non-accredited facilities.
        2. Students enrolled in Jordan District and later assigned to hospitals with accredited educational programs shall be serviced in one of two ways:
          1. Withdrawn from Jordan School District and transferred to the accredited institution which will provide teachers, textbooks and instructional materials.
          2. Assigned to Valley High (Home & Hospital) but serviced at the facility by an accredited institution under a contract with Jordan School District based upon a daily pro-rated amount of the WPU.  Teachers, textbooks, and instructional materials shall be provided by the institution under contract.
    5. Grades and Credit for School Attendance
      1. Students who are receiving Home and Hospital Instruction shall be counted as attending school.
      2. Secondary teachers must prepare assignment sheets for students in their classes who are receiving Home and Hospital Instruction.  Teachers are accountable to provide Utah State Core curriculum educational services. Substitute assignments will be provided if the regular class activities cannot be completed at home.  Upon consultation with the school administration, the teacher can give the student an "incomplete" for the course when it cannot be appropriately taught through Home and Hospital Instruction.  In this case, the District would provide an opportunity for the student to make up the missed credit through an alternative class or program.  Because of limited instructional time, the Home and Hospital Instruction Program is designed to help students maintain credit.
      3. Middle school and high school students who receive Home and Hospital Instruction for five weeks or more during any one quarter shall receive attendance credit and grades for work completed from the Home and Hospital instructors, and the Home and Hospital specialist, in collaboration with the content classroom teacher.  Grades shall be awarded by the Home and Hospital teacher and specialist in collaboration with the classroom content teacher.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 4/27/2021
  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes that special consideration may need to be given to some students for grade placement.   The Board authorizes the Administration to implement policy regarding student retention and acceleration.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The Administration recognizes that schools should offer students opportunities for acquiring skills, and for cognitive, academic, social and emotional development.  Ideally, the needs of an individual student can be met by differentiated instruction while he/she remains with his/her own age peer group.  In extreme cases, student retention or acceleration may be considered.
    Decisions regarding student retention or acceleration should be made only after all the needs and abilities of the student have been assessed, reviewed by an evaluation team and have been determined to meet the retention or acceleration guidelines found in the Planning and Enrollment Procedures Manual.

    1. The membership of the evaluation team will include the parent or legal guardian and any teachers or staff members with relevant and appropriate information about the student’s performance. The student may participate at the discretion of the parent/guardian and school administrator. The school administrator leads the team and makes the final decision based on its recommendation.
    2. The school administrator shall reasonably accommodate requests for retention of students in kindergarten through grade 8 as required by Utah Code 53G-6-803-2. Requests for retention of students in grades 9-12 may be approved by the school administrator in extreme cases when warranted by the situation and assessment data and recommended by the evaluation team.
    3. A reasonable acceleration or retention completed by another LEA and reflected on the student’s official transcript or record will be honored by the District upon the enrollment of the student. Students new to the District or to a District school must typically enroll in the age-appropriate grade long enough for the evaluation team to assemble relevant data regarding the acceleration or retention.
    4. The decision of retention or acceleration may be reviewed by the team at any time during the student’s educational experience, but a retention or acceleration may only occur once per academic year.
    5. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may request a review of their student’s acceleration or retention from Planning & Enrollment in the Student Services Department if they feel that relevant information was not considered or that established processes were not followed. In the event of irregularities, Planning & Enrollment will present any findings to the school administrator, who retains the responsibility for the final decision on an acceleration or retention.

Published on
  • Effective: 8/27/1969
  • Revision: 1/23/2024
  1. Board Directive
    Every Jordan District student is entitled to be educated in an environment facilitated by qualified teachers, who implement evidence and research-based best practices in order to provide appropriate and productive learning opportunities, promote academic excellence, and encourage the development of college and career ready individuals and contributors to our society.
    The Board holds that one of the fundamental purposes of education is to teach students how to think critically; therefore, schools have an obligation to allow students a forum for examination and discussion of differing perspectives which arise in connection with the teaching of the Utah Core Standards. The Board recognizes that public education is a partner with parents, who play the primary role in educating their children.
  2. Administrative Policy
    The accompanying administrative policy provisions shall be followed:

    1. Instructional Principles
      1. Every student shall be considered a worthwhile, valuable individual.
      2. Every student shall be considered capable of learning which results in progress toward appropriate educational goals.
      3. Every student shall be treated with respect.
      4. Every student shall be expected to perform at a level commensurate with the student's ability, age, and rate of personal development.
      5. Every student shall be challenged to strive for the highest level of academic performance possible.
      6. Instructional environments shall encourage genuine discussion among students of varying viewpoints.
    2. Instructional Environment
      1. Instructional programs shall be offered in an atmosphere that is conducive to physical and emotional health and safety.
      2. Instructional programs shall be offered in an environment that promotes appropriate school conduct and encourages a cooperative approach to learning and the active participation of all students.
      3. Instruction shall be implemented to cultivate student interest and stimulate learning.
      4. Instruction shall include multiple strategies to address the needs of all learners and incorporate both large and small group interactions, interventions, and enrichment opportunities.
      5. Instruction shall take into account the mental, physical, emotional, social, and cultural aspects of all students.
    3. Instructional Content shall:
      1. Comply with state and federal requirements and implementation of Utah State Core Standards for the class being taught.
      2. Comply with all District policies, including Jordan School District Policy AA411 Sex Education and AA424 Literature Selection and Review.
      3. Include training in basic skills and provide opportunities for students to learn to read, write, speak, calculate, and master other practical skills needed for success in the adult world.
      4. Provide a proper understanding of American history and government, which is essential to good citizenship (Utah Code 53G-10-302 and 53G-10-204).
      5. Focus on helping students learn to reason and acquire course-related knowledge, skill, and understanding.
      6. Comply with State Board Rule R277-328 - Educational Equity in Schools which requires that instruction may not include or endorse that:
        1. a student or educator’s sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or membership in any other protected class is inherently superior or inferior to another sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected class.
        2. a student or educator’s sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or membership in any other protected class determines the content of the student or educator’s character including the student or educator’s values, morals, or personal ethics.
        3. a student or educator bears responsibility for the past actions of individuals from the same sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected class as the student or educator.
        4. a student or educator should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of the student or educator’s sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or membership in any other protected class.
      7. Allow students’ expression of personal beliefs unless the expression unreasonably interferes with order or discipline, threatens the well-being of persons or property, or violates concepts of civility or propriety appropriate to a school setting in compliance with Utah Code 53G-10-203 Expressions of Belief – Discretionary Time.
      8. Not include discussion of the teacher’s personal political affiliations or viewpoints and maintain an impartial and unprejudiced role throughout instruction.
      9. Provide opportunities for students to learn through direct personal experiences as well as through the experiences of others.
      10. Provide opportunities for students to discover the world of nature and learn about and demonstrate an understanding of a variety of cultures and societies.
      11. Encourage lifelong learning by providing opportunities for students to learn how to study as well as provide exercises in critical thinking and problem solving.
      12. Incorporate the ideals of human liberty, equality, justice, and ethical principles.
      13. Promote the values of ethical character, individual responsibility, economic sufficiency, civic usefulness, and personal health and hygiene.
    4. Instructional Responsibility
      1. Foster student progress, involvement, and coverage of appropriate content by providing instruction based on current research findings in classroom management, instructional delivery, interaction with students, instructional planning, and professional development.
      2. Education is a shared responsibility. Students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and other staff as necessary shall work cooperatively for the good of each student.
      3. Student growth and achievement shall be consistently monitored and communicated to parents through report cards, at parent/teacher conferences, and other occasions as necessary.
      4. Instructional quality shall be monitored through a variety of performance evaluations. Curriculum guides and ongoing staff training shall be provided.
      5. Instructional delivery shall provide for the development of the personal, social, academic, and vocational potentials of students.
      6. Teachers shall collaborate in Professional Learning Communities, and share resources and ideas as a way of improving instructional processes in order to sustain a focus on results, a focus on collaboration, and a focus on learning.
      7. Teachers shall provide parents with a list of books that students are expected to read in full. Parents may request and receive an alternate assignment as outlined in Utah Code 53G-10-205. Teachers must give enough notice so that parents can be involved in the process.
      8. The teacher is responsible to:
        1. Prepare lesson plans which include clear, concise goals for the study unit.
        2. Provide content that is appropriate for the age of students being taught.
        3. Provide students the option, without penalty, of an alternate assignment when requested by a parent.
        4. Emphasize the academic aspect of the content and refrain from advocating a position.
      9. Secondary teachers shall send home disclosure statements as outlined in policy AA432 – Student Attendance and Teacher Disclosure Statements.
    5. Guest Speakers (anyone not employed by Jordan School District)
      1. Guest speakers shall agree in advance to abide by the guidelines outlined in this policy, and to refrain from discussions that go beyond the course-relevant content.
      2. The teacher shall be responsible to monitor the guest presentation in its entirety and halt the presentation if course content guidelines are violated.
      3. If the guest speaker is presenting only one point of view on a many-sided issue, the teacher shall be responsible to see that students also receive information on differing viewpoints.
      4. If a guest speaker is to be invited to a classroom, the teacher shall notify the principal with a completed Guest Speaker Request Form.
      5. The teacher shall notify parents or guardians of guest speakers invited to a classroom.
      6. Principals shall notify parents in advance of any guest speakers or performers at assemblies.
    6. Process for Reporting and Resolving Concerns
      1. Parents or students with concerns regarding the implementation of this policy are encouraged to contact (in this order):
        1. Teacher
        2. School administration (assistant principal or principal)
        3. District administration (Administrator of Schools or Superintendent)
        4. Board of Education
      2. Concerns can also be reported formally through the District hotline posted on jordandistrict.org  (pursuant to Utah State Board Rule R277-113). Each concern will be investigated and a response will be provided to the degree possible. Policy violations will be addressed using appropriate administrative actions.
      3. If a parent of a student, or a secondary student, determines that the student's participation in a portion of the curriculum or in an activity would require the student to affirm or deny a religious belief or right of conscience, the parent or the secondary student may request a waiver of the requirement to participate or a reasonable alternative.
        1. The school shall promptly notify a student's parent if the secondary student makes a request.
        2. If a request is made, the school shall waive the participation requirement, provide a reasonable alternative to the requirement, or notify the requesting party that participation is required as outlined in Utah Code 53G-10-205.
      4. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teachers at the beginning of the year or semester with any questions or concerns about course content or with requests as outlined in Utah Code 53G-10-205.

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: 8/27/1960
  • 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.