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Policy Categories Archives: Section I: Instruction

Section I contains policies on the instructional program: basic curricular subjects, special programs, instructional resources, and academic achievement.

Home Education Instruction

ASD File: IHBG-R
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
HOME EDUCATION INSTRUCTION

The Board acknowledges the right of every parent to choose to home educate their child(ren) in
compliance with RSA 193-A or to send them to a nonpublic school. Recognition of a home
education program will be limited to students ages 5 to 18 years.

I. Participation in Classes/Activities

All requests by a home educated or nonpublic student for participation in an educational program
or co-/extra-curricular activity shall be made in writing by the parent/guardian, in duplicate to the
Principal of the appropriate school and to the Superintendent. After consulting with the Principal,
who shall consult with appropriate staff, the Superintendent and/or designee shall, in writing,
grant or deny the request.

A request by a home educated or nonpublic student for the following related services of physical
therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, psychological, guidance, etc., and/or
other special education services shall be administered per Auburn School Board Policy IHBG.

Resident home-educated or nonpublic students may enroll in specific classes or activities
provided the following conditions are met:

A. General Participation

1. There is space available in the class/activity.

2. The admission of the student will not have an adverse effect on the class/activity.

3. There are no extra costs incurred by the district.

4. The class/activity is deemed to be developmentally and academically appropriate.

5. Prerequisite class/activity requirements are met.

6. Transportation, other than regularly scheduled school bus services, is provided by the
parent/guardian.

7. No substantial administrative or staff burden is created.

8. There are no other factors impacting why the request should be granted or denied.

B. Participation in Regular Class

1. Reasonable notification of desire to participate is received by the Superintendent and
school Principal in advance of the first class meeting. Requests will be processed on a
first come first served basis.

2. Attendance is regular, behavior is appropriate, and the parent/guardian and student
demonstrate a willingness to follow the district’s/school’s rules and regulations.

3. The student completes all assignments and tests as are required of other students in the
class.

4. Credit/grade is granted only after the successful completion of the class.

C. Participation in Activities
(Field trips, assemblies, science fairs, etc.)

1. Prior written permission has been given by the parent/guardian.

2. Prior written permission has been given by the Principal.

3. The student has agreed to abide by the same code of conduct as the regularly enrolled
students participating in the activity.

4. The parent/guardian accepts responsibility for transportation to and from the school
and/or activity.

5. Requests for participation in activities which are purely social, such as school dances, will
be determined in accordance with the school’s guest policies or practices.

D. Participation in Extra-Curricular Activities
(School clubs, intramural sports, etc.)

1. The student meets the same academic, physical examination, age and eligibility
requirements and standards as regularly enrolled students (documentation of such must
be provided when requested by the Principal).

2. The transfer student from a home education program meets the same eligibility
requirements as enrolled transfer students.

3. The student maintains the same code of behavior as required of other regularly enrolled
school participants.

4. The student must follow the team’s traveling procedures.

5. The student may not be enrolled in another school.

II. Use of Facilities and Equipment

Students may use school facilities and equipment on the same basis as regularly enrolled
students provided the following conditions are met:

A. The use does not disrupt regular student, staff, or special program use.

B. The use has been approved by the Principal prior to use.

C. The use will not create additional expense to the school district.

D. The use is directly related to the home instruction educational program.

E. The use does not involve removing furniture or equipment from the school premises.

III. Use of School Texts and Library Books/Materials

Students may be permitted to use school texts and library books/materials provided the
following conditions are met:

A. Sufficient copies are available.

B. The text is appropriate to the student’s age and grade.

C. The text is signed out to the student and/or parent/guardian for a period of no
longer than one year. A mandatory security deposit for replacement text is required.

D. Library books are signed out according to the library loan policy.

E. The student and/or parent/guardian agrees to pay the school district for all lost,
damaged and/or non-returned texts and/or library books. The district may require a
security deposit.

IV. Eighth Grade Diploma Eligibility

Home educated or nonpublic students are not eligible to receive a school diploma.

V. Evaluation

Students being home educated may participate in the evaluation process per Auburn
School District Policy IHBG.

Adopted: January 11, 1995
Adopted: November 14, 2000
Revised: November 10, 2009, Revised October 10, 2023

Methods Of Learning

ASD FILE: III
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
METHODS OF LEARNING

The Auburn School District recognizes that In-Person Learning is the optimal method of learning. To that end, the District will provide regular classroom instruction for all students. The School Board recognizes, however, that in extreme circumstances, regular in-class instruction may need to be halted or suspended. In such instances, the District will provide quality education in the form of Remote Learning.

In-Person Learning is instruction provided by the District to students with direct face-to-face interaction between teacher and student.

Remote Learning is instruction provided by the District to any group of students or by any teacher unable to attend class in-person.

Distance Learning is instruction received by students either remotely or in person by as educator outside of the district.

The District will shift to Remote Learning when deemed necessary by the Superintendent and approved by the School Board. Remote Learning provides instruction that closely mirrors what is/would be taught in the classroom and can occur synchronously or asynchronously.

Synchronous Learning includes various forms of televisual, digital, and online learning through which students learn from instructors, colleagues, or peers in real time, but not in-person.

Asynchronous Learning occurs when instruction and learning are not only in different locations, but also at different times. This can include recorded lessons or videos and emails between teacher and student.

If the District offers both In-Person and Remote Learning, students may not switch from one method to the other within the marking period except for extenuating circumstances reviewed and approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Student Services
Special education requirements will continue to be met in accordance with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) regardless of method of learning.

All students may participate in extracurricular activities.

Adopted: November 10, 2020

Permission To Participate In Non-Educational Survey

ASD File: ILD-R
See Policy ILD
PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN NON-EDUCATIONAL SURVEYS, QUESTIONNAIRES, OR RESEARCH

Dear Parent/Guardian,

On ___________________________________ at Auburn Village School, there will be a survey, analysis, or evaluation (“survey”), and your consent is required so that your child(ren) may participate. The description and purpose of the survey, how and when it will be administered, and the intended results of the survey are as follows:

 

________________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________________

If you would like to review any survey instrument or instructional material used in connection with any protected information or marketing survey, please submit a request to your Principal/designee. You will be notified of the time and place where you may review these materials. You may review a survey an/or instructional materials before the survey is administered to a student.

STUDENT(S) NAME                                                                                                                           GRADE

 

_____________________________________________________              __________

 

_____________________________________________________               __________

 

_____________________________________________________               __________

As the parent/guardian, I approve my child(ren)’s participation in the activity designated above.

 

_______________________________                          ______________________________
Parent/Guardian                                                                               Signature Date

 

Adopted: March 13, 2018

School District Internet Access For Students

ASD File: IJNDB/JICL
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL DISTRICT INTERNET ACCESS FOR STUDENTS

The School Board recognizes that technological resources can enhance student performance by offering
effective tools to assist in providing a quality instructional program, facilitating communications with
parents/guardians, teachers, and the community, supporting District and school operations, and
improving access to and exchange of information. The Board expects all students to learn to use the
available technological resources that will assist them in the performance of their education. As needed,
students shall receive lessons and instruction in the appropriate use of these resources.

Students shall be responsible for the appropriate use of technology and shall use the District’s
technological resources primarily for purposes related to their education. Students are hereby notified
that there is no expectation of privacy on district computers, computer files, email, internet usage logs,
and other electronic data.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all District computers with Internet access have a
technology protection measure that prevents access to visual depictions that are obscene or pornographic
and that the operation of such measures is enforced. The Superintendent or designee may disable the
technology protection measure during use by an adult to enable access for bona fide research,
educational or other lawful purpose.

The Superintendent shall establish administrative regulations and an Acceptable Use Agreement that
outlines student obligations and responsibilities related to the use of District technology. He/she also
may establish guidelines and limits on the use of technological resources. Inappropriate use may result
in a cancellation of the student’s user privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action in accordance
with law, Board policy, and administrative regulations.

The Superintendent or designee shall provide copies of related policies, regulations, and guidelines to all
students. Students shall be required to acknowledge in writing that they have read and understood the
District’s Acceptable Use Agreement annually.

Appendix: JICL-R

Adopted: May 8, 2012
Revised: April 10, 2018
Reviewed: June 11, 2019, June 8, 2021

Legal References:
RSA 194:3-d, School District Computer Networks

Special Education Evaluation Procedures

ASD File: IHBAA-R
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL EDUCATION EVALUATION PROCEDURES

School Districts are required to provide and guarantee special procedural safeguards with respect to special education matters. However, those procedures are established via federal and state law. They are not matters of local board policy or local administrative regulations.

Adopted: February 14, 2017

Legal Reference:
Procedural Safeguards-
NH Department of Education

High School Credit For 7th AND 8th Grade Coursework

ASD File: IMBD
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FOR 7TH & 8TH GRADE COURSEWORK

Students in 7th or 8th grade may take advanced courses offered by the district and apply the credit of those courses toward high school graduation, provided the course demonstrates content requirements consistent with related high school courses and the student achieves satisfactory standards of performance. School Board policies relative to assessment, mastery and competency shall apply.

The high school principal shall approve such course work and credit prior to the student enrolling in the class in order for such credit to be applied toward high school graduation.

Legal References: Ed 306.26(f) (until July 1, 2017), Ed 306.261(e) (after July 1, 2017)

Adopted: June 14, 2016

 

Non-Educational Questionnaires, Surveys, And Research

ASD File: ILD
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT NON-EDUCATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRES, SURVEYS, AND RESEARCH

Separate federal and state laws require that written consent be obtained from a parent or
guardian before a student participates in a non-educational survey or questionnaire that asks
about information not directly related to a student’s academics.

Federal law, the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, imposes the prior written consent
requirement only if the survey, analysis, or evaluation or its administration is paid for or in any
way uses federal funds from the federal Department of Education and reveals information
concerning the following:

1. Political affiliations;
2. Behavioral health conditions
3. Sexual behavior and attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family
relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers,
physicians, and ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
8. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a
program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

State law, RSA 186:11, IX-d, imposes the prior written consent requirement on questionnaires,
or other documents designed to elicit information about:

1. A student’s social behavior;
2. family life;
3. religion;
4. politics;
5. sexual orientation;
6. sexual activity;
7. drug use;
8. or any other information not related to a student’s academics.

School District Approval
For the purpose of this policy, “non-academic survey” shall include a survey, analysis, or
evaluation which seeks any information in the categories listed above. All non-academic
surveys must have the prior approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Surveys conducted for other agencies, organizations or individuals must have the
recommendation of the Superintendent and the approval of the School Board as to content and
purpose. The results of such approved surveys must be shared with the School Board.

No questionnaire or survey requesting sexual information will be administered to any student in
kindergarten through grade six unless required by federal or state law or regulation. School
personnel administering any such questionnaire or survey will not disclose personally
identifiable information.

Parental Notification

Prior written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required to administer a non-academic
survey to a student, unless the student is an adult or an emancipated minor who consents.

Parents/Guardians will be notified at least ten (10) days prior to administration when a school
intends to administer a non-academic survey. Included in the notice will be information
regarding the purpose of the non-academic survey, how the survey will be administered; how it
will be utilized; and the persons or entities that will have access to the results of the completed
survey. Parents or guardians may choose to inspect a non-academic survey, available at the
school and on the school‘s website, at least 10 days prior to distribution to students. Parents
may refuse to give consent for their student to participate, with or without first reviewing the
non-academic survey. The school will not penalize students whose parents/guardians decline
to provide written consent. The school will take reasonable precautions to protect student
privacy during their participation in any non-academic survey.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention

State law does not require prior written consent from a parent or guardian for administration of
the Youth Risk Behavior Survey developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control, United States Department of Health and
Human Services, concludes that federal law, including the Protection of Pupil Rights
Amendment, also does not require prior written consent from parents or guardians because
students are not required to participate and the survey is not paid for by the United States
Department of Education. As required by both New Hampshire and federal law, the District
shall provide parents and guardians with notice at least ten (10) days before the Youth Risk
Behavior Survey is administered. Parents may inspect the Youth Risk Behavior Survey at the
school’s administrative office. Parents or guardians may opt their student out of participating
in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey by providing the Principal with written notice. District staff
administering the Youth Risk Behavior Survey shall insure students understand that
participation is voluntary and that students who opt-out will not be penalized.

Miscellaneous Provisions

This policy does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected
from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational
products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:

a. College or post-secondary education recruitment, or military recruitment
b. Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products;
c. Curriculum and instructional materials used by schools;
d. Tests and assessments used by schools to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic,
clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students, or to generate other statistical
data for educational purposes;
e. The sale of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities; and
f. Student recognition programs.

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232h; 34 CFR Part 98, RSA 186:11, IX-d

Adopted: December 8, 2015
Revised: March 13, 2018, October 10, 2023

Selection Of Learning Resources

ASD File: IJL
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SELECTION OF LEARNING RESOURCES

The policy of the Auburn School District is to provide a wide range of age appropriate learning resources at varying levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal and the presentation of different points of view to meet the needs of students and teachers.

Objectives of Selection:
For the purposes of this statement of policy, the term “learning resources” will refer to any person(s) or any material (whether acquired or locally produced) with instructional content or function that is used for formal or informal teaching/learning purposes. Learning resources include textbooks, other books, charts, maps and globes, models and artifacts, pictures, games, data files, websites, motion pictures and DVDs, periodicals and monographs, slides, sound recordings, printed music, and transparencies. Community people, agencies and organizations are vital “learning resources,” as well as national and international agencies, museums, libraries and other educational institutions that offer programs via the Internet or satellite.

The primary objective of learning resources is to support, enrich, and help implement the educational program of the school through the interaction of professional personnel and other members of the school community. It is the duty of professional staff to provide students with a wide range of materials at varying levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal, and the presentation of different points of view.

To this end, the Auburn School Board affirms that it is the responsibility of its professional staff:

To provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, learning styles, and maturity levels of the students served;

To provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and societal standards;

To provide materials on various sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may have an opportunity to develop, under guidance, the practice of critical analysis and to make informed judgments in their daily lives;

To provide materials representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups who contribute to our national heritage and the world community;
To place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection appropriate to the school community.

Responsibility for Selection of Learning Resources:
The Auburn School District delegates the responsibility for the selection of learning resources to the professional staff employed by the school system.

While selection of learning resources involves many people (administrators, teachers, students, community persons, resource center personnel), the responsibility for coordinating the selection of school learning resources and making the recommendation for purchase rests with the principal and professional personnel.

Criteria for Selection of Learning Resources:
The following criteria will be used as they apply: Learning resources shall support and be consistent with the general educational goals of the state and the district and the aims and objectives of individual schools and specific courses.
Learning resources shall be chosen to enrich and support the curriculum and the personal needs of students.

Learning resources shall meet high standards of quality such as:
• artistic quality and/or literary style
• authenticity
• educational significance
• factual content
• physical format
• presentation
• readability
• technical quality
Learning resources shall be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development, ability level, learning styles, and social development of the students for whom the materials are selected.

Learning resources shall be designed to provide a background of information that will motivate students and staff to examine their own attitudes and behavior; to comprehend their duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges as participating citizens in our society; and to make informed judgments in their daily lives.

Learning resources shall provide information on opposing sides of controversial issues so that students may develop, under guidance, the practice of critical analysis. The selection of learning resources on controversial issues will be directed toward maintaining a balanced collection representing various views. Learning resources shall clarify historical and contemporary forces by presenting and analyzing inter-group tension and conflict objectively, placing emphasis on recognizing and understanding social and economic problems.

Procedures for Selection of Learning Resources:
In selecting learning resources, professional personnel will evaluate available resources and curriculum needs and will consult reputable, professionally prepared aids to selection and other appropriate sources.

Among sources to be considered are current reviewing media:
•Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
•Horn Book
•Kirkus Reviews
•Booklist
•Book Links
•Library Journal
•School Library Journal

Other sources will be considered as appropriate. Whenever possible, the actual resource will be examined. Recommendations for purchase involve administrators, teachers, students, district personnel, and community persons, as appropriate. Gift materials shall be judged by the criteria outlined and shall be accepted or rejected by those criteria.
Selection is an ongoing process that should include the removal of materials no longer appropriate and the replacement of lost and worn materials still of educational value.

Legal References: NH Admin Rule, Section Ed 306.0; NH Admin Rule, Section ED 306.14(e)
Adopted: February 10, 1983
Revised: October 23, 2001
Revised: October 12, 2010

Class Size

ASD File: IJB
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
CLASS SIZE

The Auburn School Board recognizes that class size has an effect upon student learning. As such, the Board will strive to maintain student-teacher ratios of no more than 20:1 for grades K-3 and 25:1 for grades 4-8. It therefore directs the Superintendent to work with the Principal in establishing a reasonable and equitable class enrollment for each teacher.

In determining the size of various classes, the administration will consider funding limitations, the availability of a qualified teacher pool, the management of classroom space shortages, and alternative grouping classrooms.

Adopted: June 19, 2002
Revised: April 8, 2008

School, Community, Home Relations

ASD File: IJO (Same as KA)
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL, COMMUNITY, AND HOME RELATIONS

The School Board recognizes the importance of having a strong partnership between the schoolsystem and the parents of our students as well as the community at large. It is therefore the policy of the Board to define standards for involvement between the schools, the community, and the parents of all students enrolled in District schools. The Superintendent is directed to implement these standards.
District schools are a welcoming place, clearly accessible to parents and the community.
Communication between home and school is regular, two-way and meaningful.
Parents are full partners in the educational decisions that affect children and families.
Parents will be encouraged to visit their schools for beginning of the year events such as “Open House” and new student orientations. These events will be used to disseminate information on school policies, discipline procedures, assessment tools and school goals.
Opportunities are provided to guide parents on ways to assist with homework, give feedback to teachers, and how parents can help their children improve skills and perform well on assessments.
Parents are encouraged to attend school-sponsored parent workshops to learn about parenting skills, health, safety, nutrition, home environments that support education and other topics of child and adolescent development throughout the year.
Reasonable efforts will be made to communicate with parents in their primary language or in the language in which they feel comfortable.
For the purposes of this policy, the term “parent” refers to the parent or legal guardian and where appropriate other family members.
Students and parents will receive information regarding cultural, recreational, academic, health, social and other resources that serve families within the community.
The support of area businesses, agencies and faith-based organizations will be sought through financial, goods and services, and volunteer contributions.
Partnerships will be developed with local organizations, local city and county governments, and talented individuals to strengthen school programs, family practices and student learning.
Student participation in community service will be encouraged.
Business partnerships will also be developed to assist students in the successful transition to employment or further education.

Legal References: NH Admin Rules Sec. Ed 306.04(a)(11),
NH Admin Rules Sec. Ed 306.04(k)

Adopted: November 14, 2000
Revised: January 13, 2009