511 IAC 6.1-9-9 Curriculum

Sec. 9. (a) The minimum school year consists of one hundred eighty (180) student instructional days with a minimum of five (5) hours for grades 1 through 6 and six (6) hours for grades 7 through 12; or a minimum of nine hundred (900) instructional hours for grades 1 through 6 and one thousand eighty (1,080) instructional hours for grades 7 through 12 each school year. (b) The school's curriculum consists of a structured series of intended learner outcomes in math, science, social studies, English language arts, and other areas. The outcomes are congruent with the mission of the school. There is a curriculum planning process that includes a focus on what students actually learn. Each component of the curriculum consists of instructional goals, criterion-referenced assessment, and materials. (c) Curriculum evaluation is scheduled on a regular basis to establish the congruence between mission and curriculum. The curriculum is structured and adjusted in order to address varied student needs. A basic description outlining the subjects to be taught and the contents of each subject area are a part of a policy manual and are shared with parents. (d) Student learning is assessed frequently through a variety of evaluation techniques for the purpose of diagnosis, remediation, and reporting. Teachers have high expectations for each student and demonstrate this through the methods of teaching they employ. Standardized tests, as appropriate, are administered to each child on a regular basis, and there are procedures in place and in use that illustrate how test results are implemented in curriculum updating. Frequent reports of each student's progress are made to parents in written form and/or through conferences. (e) The school has a media center that holds a balanced collection of print materials, nonprint materials, and teaching/learning equipment which is sufficient in quantity and quality to meet the educational needs of the students. All media and other library materials are classified and catalogued according to a commonly accepted system. The school budgets an appropriate amount of money each year to maintain an effective media program. (f) The school provides opportunities for parent involvement. Parents, students, and staff attitudes are assessed, and school climate assessment plans are made for growth in this area. (g) The school complies with applicable state emergency preparedness codes and with applicable state health testing codes. (h) The school makes necessary provisions concerning special education and limited English proficient students. (i) The school provides a variety of extracurricular activities which meet the needs and interests of the students and reflect the mission of the school. Each activity is carefully supervised by appropriately trained personnel. (j) All student applicants are admitted according to established written admission criteria and procedures. The school has an established discipline policy, including written procedures for handling behavior. Permanent cumulative records for each student are maintained, stored, and shared as appropriate and are handled according to applicable state and federal laws.