Use of Videos and Films

File: INB-R

To implement the policy dealing with Controversial Issues (Policy INB), the following procedures will be followed prior to using non-rated, G, PG, PG-13, and R-rated videos or films in instructional programs:

At the Elementary Level (Grades K - 5)

    1. The building administrator and individual must discuss the proposed use of the PG or PG13-rated video/film. The classroom teacher needs to have viewed the proposed film and must demonstrate that there is no other suitable alternative video to an age appropriate rating for the students being taught. The use of R-rated films is not approved for elementary use.
    2. Any individual at the elementary level who wishes to show all or a portion of a PG13-rated video/film must ensure that the film has been approved by the Instructional Materials Committee (IMC). If it is not approved, the individual needs to submit a request for approval through the Instruction Materials Committee using Appendix A “Request for Adoption of Basic Instructional Materials” (Classification/Definition of Instructional Materials; Policy IIAA-R).
      • The use of a PG-13 rated video or film must be related to an instructional objective.
      • Parent permission slips must be sent home at least 2 weeks prior to the viewing of the film to the parents/guardians of students explaining how the PG13-rated video or film will be used and the instructional objective which it supports.
      • Signed parent/guardian authorization will be required of all students prior to viewing a PG-13 rated video or film.
      • These authorization forms will be maintained by the building administrator.
      • Students whose parents/guardians do not authorize viewing of a PG-13 rated video/film will be provided an alternative assignment.
      • NO student's grade will be penalized for not taking part in the lesson using the PG-13 rated video or film.
    3. Any individual who wishes to show all or a portion of a PG-rated video/film will complete Appendix D “In-Building Approval of Speaker or Other Instructional Materials” (Classification/Definition of Instructional Materials; Policy IIAA-R) and submit to the building administrator prior to the proposed date of use.
      • The use of a PG rated video or film must be related to an instructional objective.
      • Appendix D must be filed for each PG rated video or film on an annual basis.
      • Building administrator's signature is required to show a PG rated video or film.
      • Parent notification must be sent home at least 2 weeks prior to the viewing to the parents/guardians of students explaining how a PG rated video or film will be used, the instructional objective which it supports, and an explanation that an alternative assignment can be provided if the parent does not want the student to view the film.
      • Students whose parents/guardians do not authorize viewing of a PG rated video or film will be provided with an alternative assignment.
      • No student's grade will be penalized for not taking part in the lesson using the PG-rated video/film.
    4. Any individual at the elementary level who wishes to show all or a portion of a G rated or non-rated video or film must determine that the movie is related to an instructional objective. Non-rated video or films, which contain potentially controversial topics (controversial topics which may be sensitive within the community include topics that have strong language, sexual material, violence, religion, political implications, or social significance), shall be submitted to the IMC for approval and follow with the procedures for parent notification.

At the Middle School Level (Grades 6 - 8)

    1. The building administrator and individual must discuss the proposed use of the PG13 or R-rated video or film. The classroom teacher needs to have viewed the proposed film and must demonstrate that there is no other suitable alternative video to an age appropriate rating for the students being taught.
    2. Teachers are encouraged to list any PG-13 or R-rated films in the course catalog, however, if a significant number of PG-13 or R-rated videos or films, 3 or more, are shown in any class, this must be stated in the Course Description Catalog.
    3. Any individual at the middle school who wishes to show all or a portion of an R-rated video or film must ensure that the film has been approved by the Instructional Materials Committee (IMC). If it is not approved, the teacher must submit a request for approval through the Instructional Materials Committee using Appendix A “Request for Adoption of Basic Instructional Materials” (Classification/Definition of Instructional Materials; Policy IIAA-R).
      • Parent permission slips must be sent home at least 2 weeks prior to the viewing of the film to the parents/guardians of students explaining how R rated video or film will be used and the instructional objective which it supports.
      • Signed parent/guardian authorization will be required of all students prior to viewing an R-rated video or film.
      • These authorization forms will be maintained by the building administrator.
      • Students whose parents/guardians do not authorize viewing of a PG-13 or R-rated video/film will be provided an alternative assignment.
      • No student's grade will be penalized for not taking part in the lesson using the PG-13 or R-rated video or film.
      • If alternative assignments are requested for 3 or more videos or films in any class, the teacher and parent should meet with the administrator and/or counselor to discuss alternative class placements.
    4. Any individual who wishes to show all or a portion of a PG-13 rated video or film will complete Appendix D “In-Building Approval of Speaker or Other Instructional Materials” (Classification/Definition of Instructional Materials; Policy IIAA-R) and submit to the building administrator prior to the proposed date of use. If a movie was originally rated R, but has been modified to a PG-13 or PG status, teachers must communicate this change to parents to let them know why the film has not been submitted to the IMC.
      • The use of a PG-13 rated video or film must be related to an instructional objective.
      • Signed parent/guardian authorization will be required of all students prior to viewing a PG-13 rated video or film.
      • These authorization forms will be maintained by the building administrator.
      • Appendix D must be filed for each PG-13 rated video or film on an annual basis.
      • Building administrator's signature is required to show a PG-13 rated video or film.
      • Parent notification and permission slips must be sent home to the parents/guardians of students at least 2 weeks prior to the viewing explaining how the PG-13 video or film will be used, the instructional objective which it supports, and an explanation that an alternative assignment can be provided if the parent does not want the student to view the film.
      • Students whose parents/guardians do not authorize viewing of a PG-13 video or film will be provided an alternative assignment.
      • No student's grade will be penalized for not taking part in the lesson using the PG-13 rated video or film.
      • If alternative assignments are requested for 3 or more videos/films in any class, the teacher and parent should meet with the administrator and/or counselor to discuss alternative class placements.
    5. Any individual at the middle school level who wishes to show all or a portion of a G, PG rated or non-rated video/film must determine that the movie is related to an instructional objective. Non-rated video/films, which contain potentially controversial topics (controversial topics which may be sensitive within the community include topics that have strong language, sexual material, violence, religion, political implications, or social significance), shall be submitted to the IMC for approval and follow with the procedures for parent notification.

At the High School Level (Grades 9 - 12)

    1. The building administrator and individual must discuss the proposed use of the R-rated video/film. The classroom teacher needs to have viewed the proposed film and demonstrate that there is no other suitable alternative video to an age appropriate rating for the students being taught.
    2. Teachers are encouraged to list any R-rated films in the course catalog, however, if a significant number R-rated videos or films, 3 or more, are shown in any class, this must be stated in the Course Description Catalog.
    3. Any individual who wishes to show all or a portion of an R-rated video or film will complete Appendix D “In-Building Approval of Speaker or Other Instructional Materials” (Classification/Definition of Instructional Materials; Policy IIAA-R) and submit to the building administrator prior to the proposed date of use.
      • The use of an R-rated video or film must be related to an instructional objective.
      • Parent permission slips must be sent home must be sent home at least 2 weeks prior to the viewing of the film to the parents/guardians of students explaining how R-rated video or film will be used and the instructional objective which it supports.
      • Signed parent/guardian authorization will be required of all students prior to viewing an R-rated video or film.
      • These authorization forms will be maintained by the building administrator.
      • Appendix D must be filed for each R-rated video or film on an annual basis.
      • Building administrator's signature is required to show an R rated video or film.
      • Parent notification must be sent home to the parents/guardians of students explaining how the R-rated video or film will be used, the instructional objective which it supports, and an explanation that an alternative assignment can be provided if the parent does not want the student to view the film.
      • Students whose parents/guardians do not authorize viewing of an R rated video or film will be provided an alternative assignment.
      • No student's grade will be penalized for not taking part in the lesson using the R-rated video or film.
      • If alternative assignments are requested for 3 or more videos/films in any class, the teacher and parent should meet with the administrator and/or counselor to discuss alternative class placements.
      • Students who are legally emancipated may sign their own permission slips.
    4. Any individual at the senior high level who wishes to show all or a portion of a G, PG, PG-13, or non-rated video or film must determine that the movie is related to an instructional objective. Non-rated video or films, which contain potentially controversial topics (controversial topics which may be sensitive within the community include topics that have strong language, sexual material, violence, religion, political implications, or social significance), should be submitted to the IMC for approval and follow with the procedures for parent notification.

Approved:
08/07/67

Revised:
05/07/90
05/10/04
01/02/13

Student raises hand while teacher talks to class