INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6145

Curriculum Services

Services Animals in Schools

Guidelines for Use of A Service Animal on School Property or At School Functions

Service animals will be permitted on District property and at District events in accordance with the law.

*Requests by students and employees to be accompanied by a service animal at school should be submitted in writing to their building principal.  These requests must be renewed annually.

Students:  Use of an animal other than a service animal by a qualified student with a disability will be permitted in school when it is determined that the student’s disability requires such use in order to have equal access to the instructional program, school services and/or school activities or when the student’s IEP or 504 team determines that the student requires the use of the animal to receive a free appropriate public education.  All other requirements of this Policy apply.

Employees:  Use of an animal other than a service animal by a qualified employee with a disability will be permitted when such use is necessary to enable the employee to perform the essential functions of his/her job or to enjoy benefits of employment comparable to those similarly situated non-disabled employees.  All other requirements of this Policy apply.

Parents and Patrons at School or School Events:

Individuals with disabilities may be accompanied by their service animals while on District property for events or activities that are open to the general public.  All requirements of this Policy apply.

Control:  A service animal must be under the control of its handler at all times.  A service animal must have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless either the handler is unable because of a disability to use a harness, leash, or other tether, or the use of a harness, leash or other tether would interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks, in which case the service animal must be otherwise under the handler’s control through voice, signals or other effective means.

Supervision and Care of Service Animals:  The owner or handler of a service animal is responsible for the supervision and care of the animal, including any feeding, exercising, and clean up.  The District is not responsible for the care or supervision of service animal.  The District shall not be responsible for the training, feeding, grooming or care of any service animal permitted to attend school. Or a school function under this Policy.

Damages:  The owner or handler of a service animal is solely responsible for any damage to school property or injury to personnel, students, or others caused by the animal.

Removal of Service Animals from School Property

District administrators may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from District buildings, property, vehicles or activities if:

1. The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it;
2. The animal is not housebroken;
3. The presence of the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others;
4. The student, employee or handler fails to appropriately care for the animal, including feeding, exercising, taking outside for performance of excretory functions, and cleaning up;
5. The presence of the animal substantially disrupts or interferes with the educational process, school activities or the instruction program; or
6. The presence of the animal would require a fundamental alteration to any school program.

If the District excludes a service animal based on the factors detailed herein or any other legal basis, the District will provide the individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the service, program or activity without having the service animal on the premises.

Emotional Support/Professional Therapy Dogs

An animal that is used to provide comfort, emotional support, or other therapeutic service does not meet the definition of a Service Animal or Service Dog which is permitted for use by students, employees, and patrons of the District consistent with this Policy.  However, the District may employ the use of such dogs to work with staff to provide certain types of support for its students at the discretion of District administration and counselors for their intended purpose.

Updated:  10/13/20

Instructional Services                                            Regulation 6190

Curriculum Services

Virtual Education – Less Than Full-Time Equivalent

The District will annually permit any eligible student, under the age of twenty-one (21) who resides in the District, to enroll in Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (“Program”) courses as part of the student’s annual course load.  Course costs will be paid by the District provided that the student:

1. Is enrolled full-time and has attended a public school, including a charter school, for at least one (1) semester immediately prior to enrolling in the Program.  However, if the reason for a student’s non-attendance in the prior semester is a documented medical or psychological diagnosis or condition which prevented attendance, such non-attendance will be excused; and
2. Prior to enrolling in the Program course has received District approval through the procedure set out in this Regulation 6190.

Each Program course successfully completed will count as one class and will receive that portion of a full-time equivalent that a comparable course offered by the District generates.

A.  Enrollment

The enrollment process for participation in the Program will be substantially similar to the enrollment process for participation in District courses.  In making the enrollment decision, the District may consider the suitability of virtual courses based upon prior to enrolling a student in virtual courses.  The process may include consultation with a school counselor.  However, consultation does not include the counselor’s approval or disapproval of enrollment in the Program.  However, the District has ten (10) business days from the date the application was submitted to the District to approve or deny the application.

When a District school denies a student’s enrollment in a Program course, the District will provide in writing a “good cause” reason for the denial.  Such good cause determination will be based upon a reasonable determination that the enrollment is not in the student’s best educational interest.  Where enrollment is denied, the student/parent/guardian may seek review of the decision in the same manner as the District allows review from denial of enrollment in an in-class course.

Program credits previously earned by a student transferring into the District will be accepted by the District.  Students who are participating in a Program course at the time of transfer shall continue in the course with the District assessing future monthly payments.

Home school and private students wishing to take additional courses beyond their school’s regular course load will be permitted to enroll in Program courses under an agreement, including the student’s payment of tuition or course fees.

B.  Payment for Program Courses

Cost associated with Program courses shall be paid by the District for students satisfying subsection (1) of this Regulation 6190.  Payments will be made on a monthly cost basis prorated over the semester enrolled.  Payments will be made directly to the Program contract provider.  Such payments per semester will not exceed the market cost, but in no case more than 7% of the state adequacy target per semester.  In the event a Program participant discontinues their enrollment, the District will discontinue monthly payments made on the student’s behalf.

In the case of a student who is a candidate for A+ tuition reimbursement and who is enrolled in a Program course, the District will attribute no less than ninety-five (95%) percent attendance to any such student who has successfully completed such Program course.  K-8 Districts will be required to pay the District for Program attendees residing in the K-8 District.

C.  Program Course Evaluation

The District will consider recommendations made by DESE relative to a student’s continued Program enrollment.  Based in part on DESE’s recommendations, the District may terminate or alter a course offering if the District, in its reasonable discretion, determines that the Program course(s) is not meeting the student’s educational needs.

Virtual school programs will provide the District with regular student progress reports for each student at least four (4) times per school year.  The District will have access to academic and other relevant information on student success and engagement.

Independently, the District will monitor student progress and success in Program courses.  The District will annually provide DESE with feedback regarding Program course quality.

The District is not obligated to provide computers, equipment or internet access except for eligible students with a disability in compliance with federal and state law.

The District will include students’ enrollment in the Program in determining the District’s average daily attendance (ADA).  For students enrolled in the Program on a part-time basis, ADA will be calculated as a percentage of the total number of Program courses in which the student is enrolled by the number of courses required for full-time students.

The District will provide a copy of DESE’s Virtual School Guidance document to every District parent/guardian at the beginning of each school year and upon enrollment of every student enrolling after the beginning of the school year.  In addition, the district will provide an electronic version of the Guidance document on the main page of the District’s website.

D.  Students Disenrolled from Full-Time Virtual Schools

When a District student is disenrolled from a full-time virtual program, the virtual school must immediately notify the District of their disenrollment decision.  Upon notice of such decision, the District will provide the parents/guardians of the student with a written list of available District educational options.  Such student shall be promptly enrolled in their selected educational option.

Any student disenrolled from a full-time virtual school will be prohibited from re-enrolling in the same virtual school for the remainder of the school year.

E. Notice

The District will inform District parents of their child’s right to participate in the Program.  Opportunity to participate in the Program will be provided in parent handbooks, registration documents and on the homepage of the District’s website.

Updated:  11/12/24

Instructional Services                                            Regulation 6191

Curriculum Services

Virtual Education – Full-Time Equivalent

As set forth in Policy 6191, the District will not be involved in the eligibility determination, in the enrollment, approval of virtual classes, disenrollment, nor the appeals from such decisions.  The decisions will be made exclusively by the designated “Host District”.  DESE will develop a “State Enrollment Plan” providing for enrollment of full-time virtual instruction students.

Assistance

The District will provide any relevant information and input on the enrollment, within ten (10) business days of written notice from the virtual program of the enrollment application.

The District will be provided ongoing access to academic and other relevant information on student success and engagement.

Reimbursement of Districts Costs

DESE’s State Enrollment Plan for full-time virtual student will include financial terms for reimbursement by the Host District to the District for the necessary costs of any full-time program. As set out in an education service plan, such costs include access to school facilities during school hours of resident full-time students for purposes of participation and instructional activities of the full-time virtual program.

“Instructional Activities” as used in this Regulation means classroom-based or non-classroom-based activities that a full-time virtual instruction student is expected to complete, participate in, or attend during any given school day such as:

1. On-line log in to curricula or programs
2. Offline activities
3. Completed assignments
4. Testing
5. Face-to-face communications or meetings with school staff
6. Telephone or video conference with school staff
7. School sanctioned field trips, or
8. Orientation

Disenrollment of a Full-Time Virtual Student

If a Host School disenrolls a District student, the Host School shall immediately provide written notification of disenrollment.  The District will provide the parents/guardians of student with a written list of available educational options and will promptly enroll the student in the selected option.  Any resident student disenrolled from a full-time virtual school will be prohibited from re-enrolling in the same virtual school for the remainder of the school year.

The academic performance of a student who disenrolls from a full-time virtual program and enrolls in the District will not be used in determining the District’s annual performance report score for the first twelve months from the date of enrollment.

Progress Reports

Each full-time virtual school must provide parents/guardians with regular student progress reports for each full-time virtual student at least four (4) times per school year.

Notice

The District will provide a copy of DESE’s Virtual School Guidance document to every District student and parent/guardian at the beginning of each school year.  The District will also follow this distribution process for every student enrolling after the beginning of the school year.  In addition, the district will provide an electronic version of the Guidance document on the main page of the District’s website.

Updated:  11/12/24

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6230

Instruction

Textbook Selection and Adoption

The following procedure should be utilized in selecting textbooks and teaching resources:

1. The Assistant Superintendent and principals will select a curriculum Committee composed of teachers.The committee shall review curriculum guides and different teaching resources.The Assistant Superintendent shall confer with the committee during the selection process.The following factors shall be considered by the committee:

1. Readability
2. Format & Physical Features
3. Lesson Presentation
4. Support Materials
5. Gender Equity/Diverse Cultures
6. Alignment with Curriculum Guide
7. Targeted Standards with MAP

The Curriculum Committee shall utilize a rating sheet in evaluating textbooks and resources concerning the above-mentioned factors.

2. Upon reaching a decision concerning a particular textbook or resource, The Assistant Superintendent will recommend the choice to the Superintendent of Schools.

3. Upon receipt of the curriculum committee recommendation, the Superintendent shall include the necessary expenditure in the budget plan.

4. In the event there is a disagreement between members of the curriculum Committee relative to selection, an effort shall be made to resolve the difference of opinion by compromise.If compromise cannot be reached, the nature of the disagreement shall be reported to the Superintendent who will render the decision.

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6231

Instruction

Textbook Usage – Students

At the beginning of each term, or semester as applicable, students are to be informed by each teacher of the school 's expectations of responsibility for school property and the need for care and return of books. A constructive and educational approach to the students is desirable, including a discussion of reasons for treating books with respect, caring for them, using them wisely, and returning them in good condition. Penalties for lost or damaged books are to be outlined. A monitoring process is to be devised such as textbook receipt cards or other check-out system that requires the student's signature for use of the book(s).

Parents/guardians are to be informed by the principal/designee as to the textbook status in the building or department; i.e., in which subject students are provided with individual copies, class sets, consumable materials, etc. Newsletters to the homes, Open House presentations and PTO meetings may be used as means of communication.

Parents/guardians are to be informed of the penalties for lost or damaged textbooks early in the school year. Penalties may include a reasonable system of fines or repayments. For example, the student or the student's parents/guardians could be required to pay the fair value for replacement of a lost or destroyed book or for repair of a book. The student could choose to do some work for the school instead, if the principal finds that to be the best option.

No student is to be penalized if a book is lost because of factors beyond his/her control. All students will be made aware that if such losses are reported immediately, and if the administration agrees that the loss was beyond the student's control, fines will be canceled. The reporting procedure will be publicized in student handbooks and other school publications. Principals will handle cases individually.

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6241

Instruction

Challenged Materials

On occasion, honest differences of opinion may arise about books or materials used in the public schools. In order to handle questions that might arise in an impartial and orderly manner, the following procedures shall be followed:

1. All complaints shall be reported immediately to the building principal involved, whether these come by telephone, letter, or personal conference.

2. The person making the complaint shall receive the form "Review of Instructional Materials." A copy of this form may be picked up in the administrator's office.

3. This form must be completed and returned by the person making the complaint.

4. Media being questioned will be removed from use, pending committee study and final action by the Board of Education, unless the material questioned is a basic text.

5. The Superintendent of Schools shall, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the written request, appoint a review committee of nine people. The committee shall consist of the administrator of the building involved, three teachers, a member of the Board of Education, and four lay persons. The administrator shall serve as secretary.

6. The classroom teachers appointed shall be represented by the grade level or subject area where the media is used, another grade level or subject area, and a librarian.

7. The four lay persons appointed shall be selected from a list of eight people recommended to the Superintendent by the president of the Board of Education. Two of the four persons appointed must be parents/guardians of children in the schools.

8. Within twenty (20) days of the appointment of the committee, the committee shall meet, review the written request for reconsideration, read the questioned materials, evaluate, and prepare a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools.

9. The committee may recommend that the questioned materials be:

      a.   Retained without restriction;

      b.   Retained with restriction; or

      c.   Not retained.

10. The Superintendent shall, at the next appointed meeting of the Board of Education, report the recommendations of the Review Committee to the Board of Education. The decision of the Board will be final.
11. The decision of the Board shall be reported to the principal of the school, to the complainant, and to other appropriate professional personnel on the next school day. The principal shall see that the decision of the Board is carried out.
12. The librarian responsible for that school shall keep on file all pertinent information concerning the questioned materials or any books or materials likely to be questioned.

Challenges to Information Accessible on the Internet

In compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), 47 U.S.C. § 254, the District utilizes technological devices designed to filter and block the use of any District computer with Internet access to retrieve or transmit any visual and/or audio depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors” as defined by CIPA and material which is otherwise inappropriate for District students.

Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, sometimes Internet websites and web material that do not fall into these categories are blocked by the filter. In the event that a District student or employee feels that a website or web content has been improperly blocked by the District's filter and this website or web content is appropriate for access by District students, Board Policy 6320 should be followed to request that the website be opened on District computers. In the event that a parent or District patron feels that a website or web content has been improperly blocked by the District's filter and this website or web content is appropriate for access by District students, the process described below should be followed:

1. All concerns regarding blocked material shall be made to the District Superintendent/Superintendent's designee.

2. The District Superintendent/designee shall review the blocked material and make a determination regarding its appropriateness for District students.

3. The complainant will be notified within three (3) days if the blocked material is deemed appropriate for District students and student access to this web material will be allowed immediately upon processing by the District's technology department.

4. If the web content is deemed unsuitable for access by District students, the complainant will be notified within three (3) days of their request and this material will remain blocked by the District's software.

5. Appeal of the decision may be made in writing to the Board of Education.

6. In case of an appeal, the Board of Education will review the contested material and make a determination.

7. Material subject to the complaint will not be unblocked pending this review process.

Objections to Internet Access: In the event that a student, employee, parent or District patron feels that a website or web content that is available to District students through District Internet access is obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors” as defined by CIPA or material which is otherwise inappropriate for District students, the process described below should be followed:

1. All concerns regarding access to material shall be made to the District Superintendent/Superintendent's designee.

2. Material which is patently obscene, child pornography or “harmful to minors” will be blocked immediately by the Superintendent or his designee and the complainant will be notified.

3. For challenges to material on the Internet which is not patently obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors”, the District  Superintendent/Superintendent's designee shall appoint a review committee consisting of himself/herself, two (2) community members, the complainant, and two (2) educators from the District and a District network specialist. The first meeting of the review committee must take place no later than ten (10) school days after the concern has been raised.

4. The committee will review the material and return within ten (10) days a decision regarding whether or not the material will be removed or restricted in any manner.

5. The District Superintendent/Superintendent's designee will report the recommendation of the review committee to the complainant.

6. Materials subject to the concern are not removed from use pending committee study and any final action by the Board of Education.

7. The complainant, if not satisfied, may appeal the decision in writing to the District Superintendent.

8. In case of an appeal, the Superintendent reports the recommendation of the review committee and the written appeal to the Board of Education. The Board of Education will review the information and make a decision within three (3) days after presentment of the information.  The Board of Education's decision will be final.

   9.    The decision of the Board of Education is then reported to the District Superintendent/Superintendent's designee who will inform the complainant.

 10.  If the Board deems that the material is unsuitable for access by District  students, the material will be blocked within three (3) school days of the Board's decision.

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6250

Instruction

Instruction for Students with Disabilities

Updated:  02/13/18

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6251

Instruction

Blind Students Independence, Training and Education

Instruction in Braille reading and writing will be offered to enable each blind or visually impaired student to communicate effectively and efficiently at a level commensurate with the student’s age and with the student’s nondisabled peers of comparable intellectual ability.

The affected student’s IEP or IFSP shall specify:

1. Results obtained from evaluation of the student’s reading and writing skills, needs and appropriate reading and writing media including appropriateness of Braille instruction based on vision loss due to a degenerative medical diagnosis.
2. How Braille will be implemented.
3. Length of period of instruction and frequency and duration of each instructional session as determined by the IEP team.
4. Level of competency in Braille reading and writing to be achieved.
5. How accessible assistive technology will be implemented through integration with other activities.
6. Level of mastery of the accessible assistive technology to be achieved by the end of the period.
7. Acknowledgement that the assistive technology may be only transported without need for payment or other cost.
8. Provision of duplicative assistive technology at home without cost to the family.
9. Level of mastery of orientation and mobility skills.

Use and provision of Braille materials for reading and writing shall be addressed in appropriate §504 Plans to support programs in the general education curriculum.  Use and provision of assistive technology will be addressed in the student’s §504 plan as will orientation and mobility equipment.

Assistive Technology

Each blind or visually impaired student will receive instruction in assistive technology as part of their IEP or IFSP plan unless determined to be inappropriate by the IEP or IFSP team.  Instruction will include grade-level instruction with appropriate technology mediated learning environment and skills to perform at the same level as comparable peers.

Orientation and Mobility

Each blind or visually impaired student will receive instruction in orientation and mobility as part of their IEP unless determined not to be appropriate.  No student will be denied such instruction because the student has some vision. Affected students shall receive orientation and mobility training to equip the student with age-appropriate tools, techniques and non-visual skills to navigate in or around their home, schools, communities and other applicable environments.  The District will not impose any preclusions or limitations on a student to receive orientation and mobility services.  An orientation and mobility evaluation will be made by an individual appropriately certified by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) or through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) or who holds a nationally recognized certification.  Such evaluation will occur in familiar and unfamiliar environments, daytime nighttime, and around home, school and community.

Braille Teachers

Educators hired to teach Braille shall be certified teachers of students with visual impairments, hold a current and valid National Certification in Unified English Braille working under the supervision of a reading specialist.

Educators hired to teach accessible assistive technology will be certified teachers of student with visual impairments, hold a valid and current Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for people with visual impairments or hold a current National Certification in Access Technology for the Blind or other nationally recognized certificates.

Specialists hired to teach orientation and mobility will hold current National Orientation and Mobility Certificates or hold current Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Certificates or other nationally recognized certificates.

The District will obtain proof of currently available certified professionals from any company, agency, or individual with whom the District intends to contract for services.

Program Facilitation

The District may require annual written parental consent to conduct instruction when services are provided before or after school hours or when services are provided away from the student’s school or residence.

The District may approve the mode of transportation utilized by the instructor to transport affected students or may provide an equally effective transportation alternative.  If transportation is provided by the student’s parent, the District will reimburse the appropriate expense.

To the extent possible, the District will eliminate common barriers experienced by blind or visually impaired students, parents, educators and staff.

Updated: 10/11/22

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6255

Instruction

Independent Educational Evaluation Policy for Disabled Students Under the IDEA

I.   PARENT REQUEST FOR INDEPENDENT EVALUATION

1. The parent or legal guardian of the disabled student must present his or her request for an independent educational evaluation in writing to the District's Director of Special Education. If any other District staff member receives a written request for an IEE, such request must be immediately forwarded to the District's Director of Special Education.

2. When the parent or legal guardian of a student with a disability under the IDEA requests an independent educational evaluation, the [Director of Special Education] shall, within 10 business days, provide the parent or legal guardian a copy of this policy and procedure as well as information about where an independent educational evaluation may be obtained and the District's criteria for such evaluations.

3. When the District receives a request from the parent or legal guardian for an independent educational evaluation, the District will, without unreasonable delay and within 15 business days from the receipt of the request inform the parent or legal guardian that (1) the District will pay for the requested evaluation subject to the requirements of this policy; or (2) will initiate due process to defend the District's evaluation.

4. Before making the decision indicated in paragraph 3 above, the Director of Special Education may ask the parent or legal guardian for the reason or reasons why he or she objects to or disagrees with the District's evaluation or any component of that evaluation. However, the parent or legal guardian is not required to provide that reason and the District will not use the request or a lack of parental response to such a request to unreasonably delay its decision regarding whether to provide the requested independent educational evaluation at public expense or to initiate due process to defend the District's evaluation.

5. If the District's decision is to pay for the independent educational evaluation, the Director of Special Education will offer the parent or legal guardian the opportunity to convene the student's multidisciplinary team to develop an evaluation plan to address the areas to be evaluated and the independent evaluators who will assess the student. That plan will comply with the District's criteria for evaluator qualifications, geographic location and costs limitations as specified below in this procedure. Upon written parental consent for the independent evaluation, the District will arrange for completion of the evaluation. 

6. Independent evaluators must agree to release the results of their independent evaluations to the District prior to receipt of payment for services. The results of any IEE will be considered by the student's multidisciplinary or IEP team with respect to any decisions involving the provision of a free appropriate public education to the student, as long as the IEE meets the criteria set forth in this procedure.

7. The parent or legal guardian may also proceed to arrange for completion of the independent educational evaluation without the multidisciplinary team meeting as described in Paragraph 5 above. However, the parent or legal guardian will then be responsible for ensuring that the independent educational evaluation, as completed, complies with the requirements of this procedure. Otherwise, the District will not be obligated to pay for the cost of the IEE.

II.   PARENT REQUESTS PAYMENT FOR COMPLETED INDEPENDENT EVALUATIONS

1. The parent/legal guardian of a student with a disability under the IDEA may obtain an independent evaluation without notification to the District and then request payment for that evaluation.

2. If the parent is requesting payment for an IEE already completed, the parent must notify the District's [Director of Special Education], in writing, that they are requesting such payment. Upon receipt of that request, the District will provide the parent with a copy of the District's policy and procedures relating to IEEs, and the District may request that the IEE be provided to the District directly from the Agency or individual that completed it, along with an invoice for the amount due.

3. Within 15 business days of the receipt of the request, the District will notify the parent as to whether the District will initiate due process to establish the appropriateness of its own evaluation or pay for the cost of the IEE.

4. If the district decides the pay for the cost of the IEE, the district criteria for the geographic locations of the evaluator(s), the minimum qualifications of evaluator(s), the costs of the evaluation, and the use of approved assessment instruments as indicated in this procedure must be met. If the cost of the IEE exceeds the District's cost limitations, the District will inform the parent that the District will pay that portion of the cost that is within the District's limitations, if the District determines that an appropriate IEE could have been obtained within the cost limitations.

5. If the District initiates a due process hearing pursuant to paragraph 3 above and the final decision of the due process panel is that the District's evaluation is appropriate, the parent or legal guardian still has the right to an independent educational evaluation, but the District will not be required to pay for that evaluation.

6. If the parent or legal guardian obtains an independent evaluation at private expense, the results of that evaluation must be considered by the District, if that privately funded independent evaluation meets the District's criteria for evaluations, with respect to any decisions regarding the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child.

III.   LOCAL LIMITATIONS FOR EVALUATIONS

Approved evaluators must be located within 80 miles of the District's Administrative Offices. Evaluators outside of this area will be approved only on an exception basis and the parent or legal guardian can demonstrate the necessity of using personnel outside the approved geographic area.

IV.   COST LIMITATIONS FOR EVALUATIONS

The total cost of a multidisciplinary independent evaluation will be limited to a total cost of $400. Single evaluations will be limited to the cost schedule listed below. These same cost limitations apply to the District when it conducts an evaluation. The maximum charges have been established to allow the District and parents to choose from among qualified professionals in the area and is intended to result only in the elimination of excessive fees. Costs above this amount will not be approved unless the parent or legal guardian can demonstrate that such costs reflect a reasonable and customary rate for such evaluative services within the designated geographic area or that the student's unique circumstance justify an evaluation that exceeds the allowable cost criteria. When Medicaid or other public insurance will cover all or part of the costs of the independent educational evaluation, the District will assume payment only for the portion of the costs not covered by public insurance, provided that the use of that public insurance would not decrease any insurance benefit or otherwise negatively impact the child's or family's insurance coverage. If the child is covered by private insurance, the District may request parental consent to access that private insurance coverage.

V.   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR EVALUATORS

Evaluators with credentials other than those listed below will not be approved unless the parent or legal guardian can demonstrate the appropriateness of using individuals with other qualifications.

[Other -- Each District should feel free to add or delete from this section.]

VI.   COST LIMITATIONS FOR EVALUATORS

A comprehensive, independent evaluation will be limited to a total cost of $500. Single disciplinary evaluations will be limited to the following schedule:

[Each District must determine what the fees are for each of the types of testing that are included in these procedures. Feel free to add or delete from this section. Remember that the same limitations apply to any outside evaluations that the District would obtain.] 

District also should consider including a listing of sources or individuals who can provide IEEs by area of assessment - e.g., academic achievement, etc. 

Districts also should consider including a list of approved assessment instruments for use in IEEs, recognizing that the same criteria will be applied to District evaluations. For example, under academic achievement consider such tools as Woodcock-Johnson Test of Achievement, Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement.

Updated:  12/14/10

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6270

Instruction

Instruction for At-Risk Students

At-risk students are identified by reviewing permanent records, school performance, and teacher and parent/guardian conferences and interviews. Teacher, counselor, social worker, nurse, and/or parent/guardian referral may initiate a staffing by appropriate school personnel to identify and determine appropriate services for children at risk of academic failure.

Once identified, these students are given necessary support and intervention services such as language arts and/or mathematics instruction, frequent parent/guardian conferences and involvement and curriculum modifications to accommodate the special needs of these students.

Examples of students who may be educationally at risk include, but are not limited to:

1. Academic problems - one or more years behind age group; promotion doubtful due to poor grades; without access to appropriate educational program.

2. Discipline/Behavior problems - recurring discipline problems; has rebellious attitude; unable to relate to authority; has been referred for social work or psychological assistance.

3. Disengaged from school - has negative attitude toward learning; has high absentee or truancy rate.

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6273

Instruction

Instruction for Homeless Students

Enrollment/Placement

If a child identified as homeless requests admission to the District, the District will consider the best interest of the child with parent/guardian involvement in determining whether the child should be enrolled in the District or, if applicable, transported back to the school of origin.

Enrollment requirements which may constitute a barrier to the education of a homeless child or youth may be waived at the discretion of the Superintendent if allowed by law. If the District is unable to determine the grade level of the student because of missing or incomplete records, the District shall administer tests or utilize other reasonable means to determine the appropriate grade level for the child.

Services

Each homeless child or youth shall be provided services comparable to services offered to other students in the District including, but not limited to, transportation services; educational services for which the child meets the eligibility criteria, such as educational programs for disadvantaged, disabled, and gifted and talented students, vocational programs, and school meals programs; before- and after-school care programs; and programs for students with limited English proficiency.

In the event that it is in the best interest of the homeless child or youth to attend the district of origin, it shall be the responsibility of the School District to provide for the transportation of the student. This may be achieved through the transportation services of this District, the district of origin, or another outside agency.

Records

Any records ordinarily kept by the school, including immunization records, academic records, birth certificates, guardianship records, and evaluations for special services or programs of each homeless child or youth shall be maintained so that appropriate services may be given the student, so that necessary referrals can be made, and so that records may be transferred in a timely fashion when a homeless child or youth enters a new school district. Copies of records shall be made available upon request to students or parents/guardians in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

Coordinator

The Board has designated _Coordinator_ to serve as the District's homeless coordinator to ensure compliance with the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. According to the Act the homeless coordinator will "ensure that homeless children and youth enroll and succeed in the schools of that agency; and homeless families, children and youth receive educational services for which they are eligible, and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services, and other appropriate services." The homeless coordinator will also ensure that disputes regarding the placement or education of homeless children or youth are resolved in a timely fashion.

The District shall inform school personnel, service providers and advocates working with homeless families of the duties of the District homeless coordinator.

Resolving Grievances

Level I - A complaint regarding the placement or education of a homeless child or youth shall first be presented orally and informally to the District's homeless coordinator. If the complaint is not promptly resolved, the complainant may present a formal written complaint (grievance) to the homeless coordinator. The written charge must include the following: date of filing, description of alleged grievances, the name of the person or persons involved and a recap of the action taken during the informal charge stage. Within five (5) working days after receiving the complaint, the coordinator shall state a decision in writing to the complainant, with supporting evidence and reasons. In addition, the coordinator will inform the Superintendent of the formal complaint and the disposition.

Level II - Within five (5) working days after receiving the decision at Level I, the complainant may appeal the decision to the Superintendent by filing a written appeals package. This package shall consist of the complainant's grievance and the decisions rendered at Level I. The Superintendent will arrange for a personal conference with the complainant at their earliest mutual convenience. Within five (5) working days after receiving the complaint, the Superintendent shall state a decision in writing to the complainant, with supporting evidence and reasons.

Level III - If resolution is not reached in Level II, a similar written appeals package shall be directed through the Superintendent to the Board of Education requesting a hearing before the Board at the next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. The hearing before the Board may be conducted in closed session upon the request of either the Board or the complainant. Within thirty (30) working days after receiving the appeals package, the Board shall state its decision and reply in writing to the parties involved. For District purposes, the decision of the Board of Education is final.

Level IV - If the complainant is dissatisfied with the action taken by the School District, a written notice stating the reasons for dissatisfaction may be filed with the state director of special federal instructional programs. The state director will initiate an investigation, determine the facts relating to the complaint, and issue notice of his/her findings within thirty (30) days to the School District and the complainant. If the findings support the action taken by the School District, such action will be confirmed. If the findings support the allegations of the complainant, the School District will be directed to take corrective action. An appeal of this decision can be made within ten (10) days to the Deputy Commissioner of Education. Within thirty (30) days after receiving an appeal, the Deputy Commissioner of Education will render a final administrative decision and notify the complainant and all other interested parties in writing.

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6275

Instruction

Homebound Instruction for Non-Disabled Students

The District will consider placing nondisabled students on homebound on a case-by-case basis pursuant to the following procedures:

1. The parent or guardian of a student under 18 or the legal guardian of a student 18 or older must provide a written request for homebound to the building principal where the student attends. An emancipated student or a student 18 years or older must provide the written request to the building principal. The written request must include the reason or reasons for the request.

2. If the request is based on medical, psychiatric or psychological reasons, the parent, guardian or emancipated student must provide a properly signed release that complies with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that authorizes the physician, psychologist, social worker or therapist who is currently treating the student to provide all relevant records to the District and to discuss the student's situation and the need for homebound services with the building administrator and other relevant school personnel. This release must be provided to the building administrator prior to any decision regarding the need for homebound services.

3. The parent, guardian or eligible or emancipated student must also provide the District with a properly signed release that complies with the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) that authorizes the District to discuss relevant information from the student's education records with the currently treating physician, psychologist, social worker or therapist.

4. The District may ask the parent, guardian or eligible or emancipated student to sign other educational or medical releases as necessary based on the reasons for the homebound request.

5. Upon receipt of the written homebound request and the medical, psychiatric, psychological and other relevant information, the building principal, in consultation with the student's teachers, therapists, school counselors, and/or other relevant school personnel, will review all information submitted by the parent, guardian or eligible or emancipated student as well as any relevant education records. If, after conducting this review, the administrative team determines that a referral for evaluation under the IDEA or Section 504 should be made, IDEA and/or 504 procedures will be instituted. 

6. For a nondisabled student, the building level administrative team will make a decision with respect to the need for homebound services. The parents, guardian or eligible or emancipated student are not required participants in this process, but the administrative team has the discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to decide if their participation would be helpful.

7. If the building level administrative team determines homebound services are not needed, the building principal or his/her designee will notify the requesting party within 5 school days of the decision. The administrative team's decision is final and may not be appealed.

8. If the administrative team determines that the student needs homebound services, the administrative team will develop a written plan for such services.

9. The homebound plan should include: (1) the reason for homebound; (2) the anticipated length of homebound; (3) the classes or areas of curriculum to be addressed in homebound; (4) whether a homebound teacher is necessary or whether the provision of assignments is sufficient; and (5) the location of homebound services if a homebound teacher is deemed necessary. If a homebound teacher is necessary, the plan should also state the number of minutes or hours per week that homebound instruction will be provided. The homebound plan will also list the members of the administrative team. Finally, the homebound plan must indicate when the homebound instructor is expected to report the students' grades and attendance to the school of record.

10. If the administrative team concludes that a homebound instructor is necessary in the home, a parent or other adult (over age 21) must be present during the homebound instruction. The homebound instructor will not be required to administer medications or perform any other health related or medical procedures.

11. Requests for homebound for students covered by the IDEA and/or Section 504 are not covered by this procedure. Such requests for these students must be presented to the student's IEP or 504 team.

12. Homebound services under this procedure will be available only during the regular school calendar and not during summer or holiday breaks.

13. The District will not provide homebound services, through this procedure, to nonpublic students. Nonpublic students are those students who are voluntarily enrolled by their parents/guardian in private and/or parochial schools or are home schooled during the regular school year. 

14. If a student who is designated to receive homebound pursuant to this procedure fails to attend, participate or otherwise cooperate with the services described in the homebound plan, the building principal may, upon review of the situation, cease homebound services. If there is a decision to cease homebound services, the building principal or his/her designee will inform the parents/guardian or eligible student, in writing, of that decision. Missouri's compulsory attendance laws will then apply.

15. The building principal's decision regarding cessation of homebound pursuant to Paragraph 14 above is final and may not be appealed.

16. The District will provide the homebound student with textbooks and other routinely supplied materials that are necessary for a student's homebound instruction.

Updated:  07/16/13

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6310

Library, Media, and Technology Services

School Libraries

District library guidelines are based on the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights. School District media personnel are concerned with generating understanding of American freedoms through the development of informed and responsible citizens. To this end the American Association of School Librarians asserts that the responsibility of the school library media center is:

1. To provide a comprehensive collection of instructional materials selected in compliance with basic written selection principles, and to provide maximum accessibility to these materials.

2. To provide materials that will support the curriculum, taking into consideration the individual's needs, and the varied interests, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, and maturity levels of the students served.

3. To provide materials for teachers and students that will encourage growth in knowledge, and that will develop literary, cultural and aesthetic appreciation, and ethical standards.

4. To provide materials which reflect the ideals and beliefs of religious, social, political, historical, and ethnic groups and their contribution to American and world heritage and culture, thereby enabling students to develop an intellectual integrity in forming judgments.

5. To provide a written statement, approved by the local Board of Education, of the procedures for meeting the challenge of censorship of materials in school library media centers.

6. To provide qualified professional personnel to serve teachers and students.

Selection Procedures

Curriculum needs are considered first and foremost in selection of library materials and equipment. The librarian must have a thorough knowledge of the curriculum, the strengths and weaknesses of the current collection, and an understanding of the students' abilities and skills. The librarian can then effectively select materials which will not only meet the instructional objectives, but will be educationally enriching to the student and fully utilized by the teacher.

Knowledge of student interests and capabilities will enable the librarian to select educational and enjoyable materials acceptable to the student for recreational reading. Faculty and students are encouraged to suggest materials to be considered for purchase. The final decision is left to the librarian (based on the criteria listed below) and with the principal approving the requisition. Materials will be examined upon delivery and will be kept if they fill the need for which they were intended.

Selection Criteria to Consider

1. Importance and Need of Subject Matter

2. Intended Age Level and Comprehensibility

3. Potential User Appeal

4. Quality and Durability

5. Authoritativeness

6. Price

Weeding Procedures

Removing materials from the library that are no longer useful is important in maintaining a collection which is timely, reliable, and inviting. The librarian will examine materials while doing the end of year inventory and during routine day-to-day circulation of materials. Anything meeting the criteria for weeding will be withdrawn from library records and discarded. If it is an item for which there is still a need, a replacement will be purchased; if a purchase is not possible at that time, it shall be added to the Teacher/Student Request List for future consideration.

Criteria for Materials to be Weeded

1. Items which are soiled, damaged, or torn beyond repair.

2. Items which are so outdated that they are useless.

3. Items found to contain unreliable information or information which is no longer true.

Objectionable Materials

Students or parents/guardians who find materials in the library objectionable in any manner may make a formal complaint by obtaining from the Superintendent's office Form 6241 - Review of Instructional Materials. (See also Policy and Regulation 6241 - Challenged Materials.)

This written complaint will be considered by the Superintendent and the librarian in weighing the educational value of that particular book, filmstrip, etc., against the segment found objectionable to the complainant. Contingent with their decision, the material will be returned to the shelf for continued use, or removed from library circulation.

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES                                               Regulation 6320

Library, Media, and Technology Services

Internet Usage

Personal Responsibility

Access to electronic research requires students and employees to maintain consistently high levels of personal responsibility. The existing rules found in the District's Behavioral Expectations policy (Board Policy/Regulation 2610) as well as employee handbooks clearly apply to students and employees conducting electronic research or communication.

One fundamental need for acceptable student and employee use of District electronic resources is respect for, and protection of, password/account code security, as well as restricted databases files, and information banks. Personal passwords/account codes may be created to protect students and employees utilizing electronic resources to conduct research or complete work.

These passwords/account codes shall not be shared with others; nor shall students or employees use another party's password except in the authorized maintenance and monitoring of the network. The maintenance of strict control of passwords/account codes protects employees and students from wrongful accusation of misuse of electronic resources or violation of District policy, state or federal law. Students or employees who misuse electronic resources or who violate laws will be disciplined at a level appropriate to the seriousness of the misuse.

Acceptable Use

The use of the District technology and electronic resources is a privilege, which may be revoked at any time. Staff and students are only allowed to conduct electronic network-based activities which are classroom or workplace related. Behaviors which shall result in revocation of access shall include, but will not be limited to: damage to or theft of system hardware or software; alteration of system hardware or software; placement of unlawful information, computer viruses or harmful programs on, or through the computer system; entry into restricted information on systems or network files in violation of password/account code restrictions; violation of other users' rights to privacy; unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal information regarding minors; using another person's name/password/account to send or receive messages on the network; sending or receiving personal messages on the network; and use of the network for personal gain, commercial purposes, or to engage in political activity.

Students and employees may not claim personal copyright privileges over files, data or materials developed in the scope of their employment, nor may students or employees use copyrighted materials without the permission of the copyright holder. The Internet allows access to a wide variety of media. Even though it is possible to download most of these materials, students and staff shall not create or maintain archival copies of these materials unless the source indicates that the materials are in the public domain.

Access to electronic mail (E-mail) is a privilege and designed to assist students and employees in the acquisition of knowledge and in efficiently communicating with others. The District E-mail system is designed solely for educational and work related purposes. E-mail files are subject to review by District and school personnel. Chain letters, "chat rooms" or Multiple User Dimensions (MUDs) are not allowed, with the exception of those bulletin boards or "chat" groups that are created by teachers for specific instructional purposes or employees for specific work related communication.

Students or employees who engage in "hacking" are subject to loss of privileges and District discipline, as well as the enforcement of any District policy, state and/or federal laws that may have been violated. Hacking may be described as the unauthorized review, duplication, dissemination, removal, damage, or alteration of files, passwords, computer systems, or programs, or other property of the District, a business, or any other governmental agency obtained through unauthorized means.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, students and employees are not permitted to obtain, download, view or otherwise gain access to "inappropriate matter" which includes materials that may be deemed inappropriate to minors, unlawful, abusive, obscene, pornographic, descriptive of destructive devices, or otherwise objectionable under current District policy or legal definitions. Similarly, the use of any District computer to access sites which allow the user to conceal their objective of accessing inappropriate material is not permitted.

The District and school administration reserve the right to remove files, limit or deny access, and refer staff or students violating the Board policy to appropriate authorities or for other disciplinary action.

Internet Access

In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), 47 U.S.C. § 254, the District uses technological devices designed to filter and block the use of any District computer with Internet access to retrieve or transmit any visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors” as defined by CIPA and material which is otherwise inappropriate for District students.

Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, sometimes Internet websites and web material that do not fall into these categories are blocked by the filter. In the event that a District student or employee feels that a website or web content has been improperly blocked by the District’s filter and this website or web content is appropriate for access by District students, the process described below should be followed:

1. Follow the process prompted by the District’s filtering software (or to remain

    anonymous, log in under log in name: 123anonymous) and submit an electronic

    request for access to a website, or:

2. Submit a request, whether anonymous or otherwise, to the District’s

    Superintendent/the Superintendent’s designee.

3. Requests for access shall be granted or denied within three days. If a request was

    submitted anonymously, persons should either attempt to access the website

    requested after three days or log back in at 123anonymous to see the status of the

    request.

4. Appeal of the decision to grant or deny access to a website may be made in

    writing to the Board of Education. Persons who wish to remain anonymous may

    mail an anonymous request for review to the Board of Education at the School

    District’s Central Office, stating the website that they would like to access and

    providing any additional detail the person wishes to disclose.

5. In case of an appeal, the Board of Education will review the contested material

    and make a determination.

6. Material subject to the complaint will not be unblocked pending this review

    process.

In the event that a District student or employee feels that a website or web content that is available to District students through District Internet access is obscene, child pornography, or “harmful to minors” as defined by CIPA or material which is otherwise inappropriate for District students, the process described set forth in Regulation 6241 should be followed.

Adult users of a District computer with Internet access may request that the “technology protection measures” be temporarily disabled by the chief building administrator of the building in which the computer is located for lawful purposes not otherwise inconsistent with this Policy.

Privileges

The use of District technology and electronic resources is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of those privileges. All staff members and students who receive a password/account code will participate in an orientation or training course regarding proper behavior and use of the network. The password/account code may be suspended or closed upon the finding of user misuse of the technology system or its resources.

Network Etiquette and Privacy

Students and employees are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of electronic network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. System users are expected to be polite. They may not send abusive, insulting,

     harassing, or threatening messages to others.

2. System users are expected to use appropriate language; language that uses

    vulgarities or obscenities, libels others, or uses other inappropriate references is

    prohibited.

3. System users may not reveal their personal addresses, their telephone numbers

    or the addresses or telephone numbers of students, employees, or other

    individuals during E-mail transmissions.

4. System users may not use the District's electronic network in such a manner that

    would damage, disrupt, or prohibit the use of the network by other users.

5. System users should assume that all communications and information is public

    when transmitted via the network and may be viewed by other users. The system

    administrators may access and read E-mail on a random basis.

6. Use of the District's electronic network for unlawful purposes will not be tolerated

     and is prohibited.

Services

While the District is providing access to electronic resources, it makes no warranties, whether expressed or implied, for these services. The District may not be held responsible for any damages including loss of data as a result of delays, non-delivery or service interruptions caused by the information system or the user's errors or omissions. The use or distribution of any information that is obtained through the information system is at the user's own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy of information obtained through Internet services.

Security

The Board recognizes that security on the District's electronic network is an extremely high priority. Security poses challenges for collective and individual users. Any intrusion into secure areas by those not permitted such privileges creates a risk for all users of the information system.

The account codes/passwords provided to each user are intended for the exclusive use of that person. Any problems, which arise from the user sharing his/her account code/password, are the responsibility of the account holder. Any misuse may result in the suspension or revocation of account privileges. The use of an account by someone other than the registered holder will be grounds for loss of access privileges to the information system.

Users are required to report immediately any abnormality in the system as soon as they observe it. Abnormalities should be reported to the classroom teacher or system administrator.

The District shall use filtering, blocking or other technology to protect students and staff from accessing internet sites that contain visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors. The District shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the Neighborhood Internet Protection Act (NCIPA).

Vandalism of the Electronic Network or Technology System

Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to alter, harm, or destroy equipment or data of another user, the District information service, or the other networks that are connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to the uploading or the creation of computer viruses, the alteration of data, or the theft of restricted information. Any vandalism of the District electronic network or technology system will result in the immediate loss of computer service, disciplinary action and, if appropriate, referral to law enforcement officials.

Consequences

The consequences for violating the District's Acceptable Use Policy include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

1. Suspension of District Network privileges;

2. Revocation of Network privileges;

3. Suspension of Internet access;

4. Revocation of Internet access;

5. Suspension of computer access;

6. Revocation of computer access;

7. School suspension;

8. Expulsion; or

9. Employee disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Updated:  07/16/13

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION                                            Regulation 6531

Office Methods and Data Management

Records Retention/Destruction

For purposes of this Records Retention/Destruction Policy, the term "record" is defined as only those documents, including documents in digital or electronic format, which were made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of official business. Generally, the District will not maintain documents which do not meet the definition of "record" except to the extent that such document threatens or involves ongoing litigation.

If the record is in the form of a correspondence, including e-mails, the following guidelines apply, and are applicable to all district personnel that would normally create or receive record correspondence:

Correspondence - General:

Routine correspondence sent or received by District administrators that is handled in accordance with existing policies and procedures and that do not contain significant information about office policies or program should be retained for one (1) year.

Correspondence - Policy:

Correspondence which state or form the basis of policy, set important precedents or record important events in the operational history of the District should be kept permanently.

Remaining Records

For all the remaining records that do not constitute correspondence, the Superintendent will appoint an administrator to oversee the District's adherence to the Record Retention/Destruction Policy and Regulation 6531. These non-correspondence records should be retained/destroyed as stated in the Public School Records Retention Schedule listed on the Missouri Secretary of State website.

Updated:  12/08/09