Instructional Guidelines - 2000
Instruction shall be consistent with the Federal Way School District mission statement, policies, procedures, elementary grade level expectations, and secondary course expectations while allowing both teachers and students to exercise their freedoms granted under the United States and Washington State Constitutions. Student understanding, needs, personal and physical characteristics, as well as common sense, current educational research, professional judgment, the role of public education, grade level expectations, and the approved district instructional materials shall all be considered when selecting instructional methods.
Support for responsible academic freedom is reaffirmed. All aspects of the curriculum are open to inquiry and discussion by members of the community. The important values of preserving academic freedom and of resolving concerns of parents/guardians and the community are not at odds and shall be resolved without fear of retribution.
Teachers shall not be prohibited from expressing personal values or beliefs; however, such expression will be clearly identified as the personal expression of the teacher, and will be relevant and appropriate in the particular circumstances.
Instruction of a historical nature which includes religious matters shall be conducted in an objective, non-devotional manner.
Lesson Plans
To ensure proper planning and continuity of instruction, each teacher shall prepare lesson plans for daily instruction. To facilitate effective instruction and in preparation for possible substitute teachers, lesson plans must be prepared sufficiently in advance of class presentation. These shall be reviewed on a regular basis and must be readily available in the event a substitute teacher is needed. These lesson plans should manifest the elementary grade level expectations or secondary course expectations.
Legal References:
RCW 28A.150.200 Basic Education Act— Program Components—As meeting constitutional requirements
RCW 28A.150.210 Basic Education Act—Goal
WAC 180-44-010 Responsibilities related to instruction
Adoption Date: 11/13/01