Series 6000: Instruction

6163.1 Selection of School Library Material 

Objectives of Selection

The primary objective of the school library is to implement, enrich, and support the educational program of the schools in the District. The development of reading skill, literary taste, discrimination in choice of materials, and instruction in the use of books and libraries are also objectives of concern.

To make available a selected collection of books and related materials that satisfy the informational, recreational, and cultural reading needs of the children of the town is a basic objective.

Selection Personnel

Materials for school libraries shall be selected by professional personnel in consultation with administration, faculty, and sometimes students and parents. Final decision on purchase shall rest with professional personnel. 

Policy adopted: November 19, 2007 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut

 6163.3

Live Animals in the Classroom

No student shall bring any live animal, whether pet or wild, to any classroom without prior consent of the teacher and the Principal, in order to protect both the animal and the students.

Teachers may bring and maintain goldfish or tropical fish in suitable bowls or tanks, but turtles, birds, snakes, or other animals which might present a health hazard shall not be allowed without the approval of the Principal, and then only for class observation and study for a limited period of time.

Science teachers may have animals such as rats, mice and frogs in appropriate facilities in or adjacent to laboratories for the purpose of class study and experimentation, provided that the utmost care is taken to prevent accident and/or suffering to the animals. 

Policy adopted: November 19, 2007 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut

6163.31

Dissection of Animals

Introduction 

The dissection of animals has a well established place in the teaching of life sciences. Well constructed dissection activities conducted by thoughtful instructors can illustrate important principles in biology. Learning theory further reinforces the benefit of learning from active experiences rather than passive learning alone. The Thomaston Public Schools believe that dissection of animals and/or specific parts thereof is a valuable method of giving students a

motivating, active biological experience in the study of the anatomy and physiology of organisms. 

Procedure

When dissection of animals is used in the classroom, it must be part of an approved program of

studies/curriculum that:

    a. the teacher thoroughly explains the learning objectives of the lesson and utilizes

        additional worksheet/audio-visual materials to maximize the educational benefit of

        the experience;

    b. all specimens be treated in a scientific manner.

All students shall be informed, prior to the dissection, that they have the option of discussing

individual objections to dissection with the appropriate teacher/administrator. Objections to

dissection can be initiated by the parent or student, in writing, and may be based on religious

grounds, ethical grounds, or if the process is repulsive to the student. Students raising an objection

to dissection shall be given an alternative assignment by the teacher and the grade will be used in

lieu of dissection grade(s). 

Policy adopted: November 19, 2007 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut