1. Purposeful Integration
Movies must serve as a tool to support instructional goals and align with state or district standards.
Showing full-length movies in one sitting is discouraged; instead, teachers are encouraged to use segments or relevant clips.
And in both cases, the instructional methodology should include a "play, pause, discuss" approach to foster active engagement, allowing for teacher-guided discussion and critical thinking.
2. Parental Notification and Consent (sample letter provided)
For G-rated movies: Notify parents/guardians at least two weeks in advance with the title, description, and instructional purpose. Parental consent is not required but is encouraged.
For PG and PG 13-rated movies:
Provide parents/guardians with at least two weeks' notice to review the movie if desired and to decide whether to opt their student out.
Notifications must include the movie title, a summary, the instructional purpose, and a clear opt-out option.
For R-rated movies: and higher-rated movies:
Movies rated R require the school principal’s expressed written approval and the approval of the district-level content Coordinator before seeking parental consent.
Only following approval from both the principal and the district-level content Coordinator, the teacher must provide parents/guardians with at least two weeks' notice to review the movie if desired and to decide whether to opt their student out.
Notifications must include the movie title, a summary, the instructional purpose, and a clear opt-out option.
Opt-outs: Students whose parents opt them out of viewing a movie must be provided with a meaningful and engaging alternative activity. This activity should align with the same instructional standard and maintain comparable performance expectations as those participating in the movie-related activity. Students should receive constructive feedback on their performance in the alternative activity, ensuring their effort is acknowledged. Opting out will not result in any academic penalties, ensuring equity and inclusivity in the learning experience.
3. Age and Appropriateness Standards
Elementary School: G and PG-rated movies only. PG-rated movies require principal prior approval and then parental notification, consent and ability to opt out.
Middle School: G, PG-rated movies primarily. PG-13-rated movies may be viewed (for select grade levels [7th/8th]) only. PG-rated and PG-13 rated movies require principal prior approval and then parental notification, consent and ability to opt out.
High School: G, PG, or PG-13-rated movies only. The use of R-rated movies is discouraged. However, there may be times when they are relevant and appropriate for high school audiences addressing complex curriculum-related topics. All R-rated movies require principal and the division-level content Coordinator’s prior approval before parental notification, consent and ability to opt out may be offered.
4. Administrative Review
Teachers must seek administrative approval prior to notifying parents for movies with the guidance reflected above. Approval ensures alignment with district standards and appropriateness.
5. Classroom Engagement Expectations
Movies or clips must directly tie into the curriculum and instructional objectives.
Teachers are responsible for facilitating meaningful discussions and activities during and after the movie to ensure comprehension and reflection.
6. Use of Devices
All instructional materials should be shown from district devices using district accounts. The use of personal accounts to share materials is not permitted. As it pertains to music and video, specific copyright protocols must be followed. Only approved Veracity (Check Your Tech) sites may be used for instruction, as described. For additional information about resources, contact Jodi Zeis. For copyright questions, contact Tim Grant.