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Tag: Philosophy

Published on
  • Effective: 8/23/2011
  • Reviewed: 3/26/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The philosophy of the Board of Education is to establish and maintain elementary schools which are structured to meet the unique needs of students at the elementary level.  The elementary school program shall emphasize academics and provide opportunities for a wide variety of learning experiences.  Programs shall be structured to enable students to develop social skills and learn to interact in a cooperative, supportive environment.  Elementary school extracurricular activities shall be designed solely with the needs of elementary school-age students in mind and shall not mirror middle school activities or events.  Activities which give all students opportunities to participate shall be encouraged with little or no emphasis given to competition.  The Board, therefore, delegates to the District Administration responsibility for establishing policy regarding elementary school philosophy.
  2. Administrative Policy
    This policy shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:
    Memory Books

    1. Yearbooks, such as those published in high schools, shall not be part of the elementary school program.
    2. PTA organizations have the option of publishing a memory book on behalf of the school provided neither the school nor the staff assumes any responsibility for the publication, including liability for content, cost, and/or professional time.
    3. PTA organizations who choose to publish a memory book on behalf of the school shall comply with the Administrative Guidelines for Elementary School Memory Books.

Published on
  • Effective: 5/23/1995
  • Revised: 9/28/2021
  1. Board Directive
    The philosophy of the Board is to establish and maintain middle schools which are structured to meet the unique needs of students in the transition years between elementary school and high school. The middle school program shall emphasize academics and provide opportunities for a wide variety of learning experiences. Programs shall be structured to enable students to develop social skills and learn to interact in a cooperative, supportive environment. Middle school extracurricular activities shall be designed solely with the needs of middle school-age students in mind and shall not mirror high school activities or events. Activities which give all students opportunities to participate shall be encouraged with little or no emphasis given to competition.
  2. Administrative Policy
    This policy shall be administered according to the following administrative policy provisions:

    1. Student Officers and Elections
      1. Each homeroom or teacher advisory class shall select representatives in accordance with the school constitution. There shall be no eligibility requirements for the homeroom or teacher advisory class representatives. These representatives shall comprise the Student Council.
      2. Each grade may elect up to four officers. No other elections shall be allowed.
        1. Students must have and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and an acceptable citizenship rating to be eligible for these elected offices.
        2. Election procedures shall be determined by the local school. Campaigning shall be limited to one election speech and two campaign posters for each candidate.
        3. Class officers may be elected to serve either one-year or one-semester terms according to school choice.
      3. The elected ninth grade class officers shall preside over the Student Council.
    2. Athletics and Intramurals
      1. The middle school athletic program shall be a broad-based, intramural program. Emphasis shall be on participation and skill building rather than on competition.
      2. Intramural activities may be offered in a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, flag football, etc.
      3. Interscholastic competitive sports programs shall not be sponsored by middle schools.
    3. Choral and Instrumental Music
      1. Middle school choruses and instrumental groups may be organized for students enrolled in regular choral and instrumental music classes.
        1. Uniforms shall not be provided for middle school choruses and instrumental groups either by the school or parents.
        2. Students performing in choruses and instrumental groups may be asked to dress in a certain color or general style provided no unnecessary expense is imposed on parents.
      2. District music festivals shall be the only extracurricular, interscholastic event for middle school choruses and instrumental groups.
      3. Middle school choruses and instrumental groups shall be allowed to perform at special events by invitation.
      4. Middle school students may be encouraged to participate in high school marching bands. If interest warrants, middle schools may organize a marching band as a summer activity. Uniforms shall not be provided for marching bands.
    4. Curriculum
      1. The middle school curriculum shall comply with State Core Curriculum guidelines.
      2. Seventh grade classes may be offered in two-period blocks with instruction in compatible subjects; i.e., English/social studies or English/reading. Team planning shall be emphasized and all curriculum coordinated whether the block is taught by a team of teachers or an individual teacher.
    5. Enrichment Activities
      1. Programs which recognize students for achievement, attendance, etc., shall be encouraged. The emphasis shall be on participation and performance within the school. Outside events or activities shall be discouraged.
      2. Formal student clubs in middle schools shall follow Policy AA443 Student Clubs (Limited Open Forum).
      3. Supervised student enrichment activities which are open to all students shall be encouraged. No dues or uniforms shall be required for enrichment activities.
    6. End of the Year Activities
      1. Middle schools shall not hold promotional or graduation exercises.
      2. Ninth grade students shall be offered a field day at Lagoon or another appropriate recreational activity to celebrate the end of the ninth grade year.
      3. In-school recognition assemblies shall be allowed for all grade levels.
    7. Memory Books
      1. Yearbooks, such as those published in high schools, shall not be part of the middle school program.
      2. PTA and PTSA organizations have the option of publishing a memory book on behalf of the school provided neither the school nor the staff assumes any responsibility for the publication, including liability for content, cost, and/or professional time.
      3. PTA and PTSA organizations who choose to publish a memory book on behalf of the school shall comply with the Administrative Guidelines for Middle School Memory Books.

Published on
  • Effective: 1/27/1970
  • Revision: 8/25/2015
  • Reviewed: 5/28/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board recognizes that people who staff the school system are discharging a public trust of great significance and value to the community and to the nation.  It recognizes further that the human resources of the school system--the skill, the ability, the ingenuity, and the loyalty of each employee--are the key to a successful education system.  The Board delegates the Adminsitration to fill all vacancies with the best qualified persons available without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or pregnancy-related conditions, religion, national origin, age (if the individual is 40 years of age or older), disability, sexual orientation or gender identity in order to obtain and maintain a high level of employee performance and satisfaction.  Utah Code 34A-5-106. It further charges the Administration to strive to retain capable and desirable employees already in the school system.
  2. Administrative Policy
    1. Definition of Personnel
      Personnel, as described herein, refers to all licensed employees and education support professionals in the District.  In addition, the philosophy, the Administration, and the policies which form the framework of the organization within which these groups operate are considered as integral parts of personnel.
    2. Areas of Personnel Administration
      Personnel administration includes in its responsibilities the formulation of and implementation of policies and standards relating to the eligibility, selection, assignment, compensation, efficiency, promotion, transfer, probation, resignation, dismissal, absence, retirement, professional growth, job descriptions, professional rights, welfare, and personnel records of all employees of the schools.
    3. Welfare of Students
      The personnel organization shall provide children with educational opportunities of the highest possible quality.  Toward this end, the following principles offer guidance:

      1. Clarification of Educational Objectives - The entire school staff of the District and the Board should share in the development of educational aims which seek to fulfill the unique function of public education in American society.  Those involved in this task should strive to be flexible, objective, and resourceful and to be aware of the implications of the constantly changing field of education.  They should strive to develop a climate that stimulates creativity in the staff members and the students.  They should consider as essential a problem-solving approach for reaching solutions to problems of the classroom, the school, and the District.  Therefore, the school staff and the Board should work toward obtaining the services of employees of the highest competence who can help to achieve these aims.  Personnel actions affect, and are affected by, school organization, curriculum, and staff morale.
      2. Promotion of Pupil Achievement - Since one of the major purposes of each school system is to increase the degree and quality of each pupil's achievement in relationship to his/her ability, staff members of the highest caliber are needed.  Personnel practices should be tested to determine the extent to which quality instructional services to pupils, in relationship to their abilities at all levels of education, are provided.
      3. Maintenance of High Standards - In order to ensure instructional and supplementary services of high quality, personnel practices should reflect a consistent policy of selecting well-prepared employees and of encouraging the upgrading of services after employment.
      4. Maintenance of Integrity - Individuals should have a clear and undeviating purpose to provide the best possible opportunity for students to learn.  They should regard their position as a public trust, and their objectivity and efficiency consistently should justify the confidence placed in them.
      5. Citizenship Training - All personnel should recognize the importance of their role in the citizenship training of all students.  Every effort should be made to assist students to make worthwhile contributions to society.
    4. Welfare of Personnel
      The personnel organization should create a climate in which the individual staff member can make his/her best contribution.

      1. Integrity of Purpose - Integrity of purpose is an obligation of all District employees.  Respect for personality, mutual faith, trust and understanding should permeate all their relationships.
      2. Cooperative Involvement in Development of Personnel Policies - In formulating and implementing personnel policies and practices, the cooperative involvement of those concerned is imperative.
      3. Equality of Treatment - The principles of fairness and impartiality shall be followed in all personnel actions.
      4. Recognition of Excellence - District employees, the school system, and students benefit when excellence of service is recognized by words of appreciation, leadership opportunities, and advancement.  Employees deserve recognition for their contributions and accomplishments.  The very nature of public education makes sensitivity to this concern paramount.  Through such recognition, individuals find helpful encouragement for creativity and self-expression within the framework of their positions.
      5. Provision for Leadership Opportunities - Personnel procedures should enable those staff members who have the potential, to be advanced to positions of leadership in the school system, through an orderly procedure for professional advancement and promotion.
      6. Maintenance of Good Communications - Avenues for clear and candid two-way communication in all personnel relationships are essential.  The continuous flow of information through recognized channels contributes to a better understanding of the total educational enterprise.  Any employee has the obligation to be available for consultation, in confidence, in privacy, and in an atmosphere of sympathetic understanding.
      7. Fostering of Quality of Service - All District employees share in the responsibility of creating a climate wherein the employees can work at maximum efficiency.  Excellence in performance is more nearly possible when economic rewards, physical facilities, and a favorable psychological climate are provided.

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.