2521.01 - SELECTION AND USE OF VIDEO MEDIA IN THE CLASSROOM

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance and consistency for the appropriate use of video media in the classroom. Video media can be used as an adjunct to almost any discipline and may be particularly effective in teaching different kinds of learners. Video media can link disciplinary perspectives, can serve very specific courses and units, and can target and motivate critical thinking and writing. Video media is misused when it regularly and inappropriately supplants instruction and/or used to reduce the amount of reading required for a class. Generally, commercial video media produced for entertainment are not to be shown in schools during instructional time. Videos, films, DVD’s, videotapes, and other similar video recordings having obvious educational value may be shown when appropriate for the content, District curriculum, and level of the subject being taught. If public performance rights have been secured commercial video media may be shown for entertainment as part of the co-curricular or after school event or as a reward for a class(es) achieving a major goal. If shown during the school day the teacher is responsible for adherence to the Educational Fair Use Act which allows such a showing if the video media supports the curriculum.

Staff requesting the showing of video media to students with a rating that is listed outside of the Video Media/TV Viewing Restrictions listed within this policy must receive prior principal and parent permission. Parents/guardians wishing to have their children participate in viewing such video media shall indicate their decision in writing on an approval form submitted to the teacher and/or building principal. The decision of the parent/guardian not wishing to have their son or daughter participate will be respected and an assignment of equal learning value may be given as an alternate to attending the showing of such film, video, DVD, TV programming, or video tape.

Staff members requesting video media approval are responsible for providing the principal with an accurate description of the content. The use of the District’s video streaming media will not be subject to this approval process due to the pre-screening that is done with this media. Staff members making video media selections for classroom use should determine that the material is part of face-to-face teaching and as part of the District curriculum to meet provisions of copyright law (PL 94-553, Section 110(1)).

Staff members are encouraged not to show students video media of network or cable television performances which the students have probably already seen at home. If such TV recordings are to be shown to students the teacher must comply with all copyright requirements and adhere to the TV Viewing Restrictions within.

Students may watch live TV with the understanding that the televised event meets the appropriate developmental level of the students while being sensitive to the impact of such a viewing upon students.

In accordance with this policy building administrators shall establish guidelines for its implementation in their respective buildings.

Manitowoc Public School District