Series 6000: Instruction

6142 Basic Instructional Program

The basic instructional program shall be prescribed by the Board and be in accordance with the law. 

Although learning experiences offered students vary according to their individual needs and abilities, the instructional program will be designed to give all students a common body of skills, understandings, attitudes, and knowledge needed for living in a democratic society. 

An atmosphere fostering healthy growth shall prevail, recognizing in which ability encouraging excellence and providing a model of productive life as a model to emulate. 

As required by law the Board shall provide a program of instruction which shall include at least the following subject matter as taught by legally qualified teachers, the arts; career education; consumer education; health and safety; including, but not limited to, human growth and development, nutrition, first aid, disease prevention, community and consumer health, physical, mental and emotional health, including youth suicide prevention, substance abuse prevention, and safety, which may include the dangers of gang membership, and safety and accident prevention; instruction on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); language arts, including reading, writing, grammar, speaking and spelling; mathematics, physical education; science; social studies, including, but not limited to, citizenship, economics, geography, government and history; and in addition, on at least the secondary level, one or more foreign languages and vocational education. 

Language arts may include American sign language or signed English, provided such subject matter is taught by a qualified instructor under the supervision of a certified teacher. 

The implementation of these programs shall be the responsibility of the building principals. 

Legal Reference:   

Connecticut General Statutes 

10-16b Prescribed courses of study. (as modified by PA 97-45 and PA 97- 61)

10-18 Courses in United States History, government and duties and responsibilities of citizenship.

10-19 Teaching about alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, drugs, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Training of personnel.

Policy adopted: October 15, 2007 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut 

6142.1

Family Life and Sex Education

The Board recognizes that the purpose of family life education is to help students acquire factual knowledge, attitudes and values which will contribute to the well-being of the individual, the family and society. Among other things, family life education provides instruction directed toward enabling students to discuss effectively problems with family members. Such communication shall include the willingness and ability to listen, accept criticism and respond with openness, frankness, and honesty, thus demonstrating a mutual respect and love for other members of the family.

Helping students attain a mature and responsible attitude toward human sexuality is a continuous task of every generation. Parents have the prime responsibility to assist their children in developing moral values. The schools should support and supplement parents’ efforts in the areas of family life and sex education by offering students factual information and opportunities to discuss concerns, issues, and attitudes inherent in family life and sexual behavior, including traditional moral values. 

To comply with the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act, the Superintendent will notify the professional staff of the federal requirements concerning sex education and the prohibitions and restrictions concerning distribution of contraceptives or materials that encourage sexual activities. The District will comply with federal regulations concerning age appropriate sex education. 

Legal Reference:    

Connecticut General Statutes 

10-16c State board to develop family life education curriculum guides. 10-16d Family life education programs not mandatory.

10-16e Students not required to participate in family life education programs. 10-16f Family life  programs to supplement required curriculum. 

20 U.S.C.A. 7906 (NCLB) 

Policy adopted: October 15, 2007 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut