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EHAA Basic Instructional Program: Required Instruction (All Levels)

PURPOSE

As a condition of accreditation, the School shall provide instruction in the essential knowledge and skills at appropriate grade levels in the foundation and enrichment curriculum. Education Code 28.002(c); 19 TAC 74.1(b)

The School shall ensure that all children in the School participate actively in a balanced curriculum designed to meet individual needs. Education Code 28.002(g)

Instruction may be provided in a variety of arrangements and settings, including mixed-age programs designed to permit flexible learning arrangements for developmentally appropriate instruction for all student populations to support student attainment of course and grade-level standards. 19 TAC 74.2

A primary purpose of the public school curriculum is to prepare thoughtful, informed citizens who understand the importance of patriotism and can function productively in a free enterprise society with an appreciation for the fundamental democratic principles of our state and national heritage.

The School shall require the teaching of informed American patriotism, Texas history, and the free enterprise system in the adoption of instructional materials for kindergarten through grade 12, including the founding documents of the United States. In providing instruction required by the State Board of Education under Education Code 28.002(h-1), regarding the founding documents of the United States, the School shall use those documents as part of the instructional materials for the instruction.

Education Code 28.002(h), (h-2)

REQUIRED CURRICULUM

The School shall offer the following as a required curriculum:

Foundation Curriculum

  1. A foundation curriculum that includes:
    1. English language arts and reading;
    2. Mathematics;
    3. Science;
    4. Social studies, consisting of Texas, United States, and world history; government; geography; and economics with an emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits.

Education Code 28.002(a)(1); 19 TAC 74.1(a)(1)

Enrichment Curriculum

  1. An enrichment curriculum that includes:
    1. Languages other than English, to the extent possible; American Sign Language is a language for these purposes, and the School may offer an elective course in the language;
    2. Health, with emphasis on:
      1. Physical health, including the importance of proper nutrition and exercise.
      2. Mental health, including instruction about mental health conditions, substance abuse, skills to manage emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making.
      3. Suicide prevention includes recognizing suicide-related risk factors and warning signs.
    3. Physical Education;
    4. Fine arts;
    5. Career and technology education;
    6. Technology applications; and
    7. Religious literature, including the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament, and its impact on history and literature.
    8. Personal financial literacy.

Education Code 28.002(a)(2) (e); 19 TAC 74.1(a)(2)

Digital Citizenship

The State Board of Education by rule requires TSBVI to incorporate instruction in digital citizenship into the School’s curriculum, including information regarding the potential criminal consequences of cyberbullying.

“Cyberbullying” has the meaning assigned by Education Code 37.0832. [See Policy FFI]

“Digital citizenship” means the standards of appropriate, responsible, and healthy online behavior, including the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act on all forms of digital communications.

Education Code 28.002(z)

Positive Character Traits

Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, TSBVI will provide instruction in the essential knowledge and skills for positive character traits at least once in the following grade bands: Grades 1–2, grades 3–5, grades 6–8, and grades 9–12.

TSBVI may provide the required instruction in a variety of arrangements, including through a stand-alone course or by integrating the positive character traits standards in the essential knowledge and skills for one or more courses or subject areas at the appropriate grade levels.

19 TAC 120.1

 Local Credit

The School may offer courses for local credit, at its discretion, in addition to those in the required curriculum, but it may not delete or omit instruction in the foundation and enrichment curricula specified above.

Education Code 28.002(f); 19 TAC 74.1(b)

EXPANDED CORE CURRICULUM

The Expanded Core Curriculum shall be used as a framework for assessing, planning individual goals, and providing instruction to TSBVI students. The expanded core curriculum shall include all of the following:

  1. Compensatory or functional academic skills, including communication modes. This area of the Expanded Core Curriculum shall include learning experiences such as concept development, spatial understanding, study and organizational skills, speaking and listening skills, and adaptations necessary for accessing all areas of the existing core curriculum. TSBVI students shall receive Instruction based on communication needs, which will vary, depending on the degree of functional vision, effects of additional disabilities, and the task to be done. Students may use braille, large print, print with the use of optical devices, regular print, tactile symbols, a calendar system, sign language, and/or recorded materials to communicate.
  2. Orientation and Mobility
  3. Social interaction Skills
  4. Independent Living Skills
  5. Recreation and Leisure Skills
  6. Career Education
  7. Use of Assistive Technology
  8. Sensory Efficiency Skills (visual, auditory, and tactual)
  9. Self-Determination

LOCAL INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN

The School’s local instructional plan may draw on state curriculum frameworks and program standards as appropriate. The School is encouraged to exceed minimum requirements of law and State Board rule.

Major Curriculum Initiatives

Before the adoption of a major curriculum initiative, including the use of a curriculum management system, TSBVI must use a process that:

  1. Includes teacher input;
  2. Provides School employees with the opportunity to express opinions regarding the initiative; and
  3. Includes a meeting of the Board at which information regarding the initiative is presented, including the cost of the initiative and any alternatives that were considered, and members of the public and School employees are given the opportunity to comment regarding the initiative.

Education Code 28.002(g)

SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

In adopting a recommended or designated scope and sequence for a subject in the required curriculum under Education Code 28.00(a) in a particular grade level, TSBVI shall ensure sufficient time is provided for teachers to teach and students to learn the essential knowledge and skills for that subject and grade level [see Policy DG]. Education Code 28.007(a)

COORDINATED HEALTH PROGRAMS

TEA shall make available to the School one or more coordinated health programs or allow the development of School programs designed to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes in elementary, middle, and junior high school students. Each program must provide for coordinating education and services related to:

  1. Physical Health education, including programs to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, oral diseases, and Type 2 diabetes and programs designed to promote the role of proper nutrition;
  2. Mental health education, including education about mental health conditions, mental health well-being, skills to manage emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making;
  3. Substance abuse education, including education about alcohol abuse, prescription drug abuse, and abuse of other controlled substances;
  4. Physical education and physical activity; and
  5. Parental involvement.

Education Code 38.013; 19 TAC 102.1031(a)

The School shall participate in appropriate training to implement TEA’s coordinated health program and shall implement the program in each elementary, middle, and junior high school in the School. Education Code 38.014

Coordinated school health programs that are developed by the School and that meet TEA criteria may be approved and made available as approved programs. The School must use materials that are proven effective, such as TEA-approved textbooks or materials developed by nationally recognized and/or government-approved entities. 19 TAC 102.1031(c)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The School shall establish specific objectives and goals the School intends to accomplish through the physical education curriculum. The physical education curriculum must be sequential, developmentally appropriate, and designed, implemented, and evaluated to enable students to develop the motor, self-management, and other skills, knowledge, attitudes, and confidence necessary to participate in physical activity throughout life.

A physical education course shall:

  1. Offer students an opportunity to choose among many types of physical activity in which to participate;
  2. Offer students both cooperative and competitive games; and
  3. Be an enjoyable experience for students.

On a weekly basis, at least 50 percent of a physical education class shall be used for actual student physical activity, and the activity shall be, to the extent practicable, at a moderate or vigorous level.

Student/Teacher Ratio

The objectives and goals shall include, to the extent practicable, student/teacher ratios that are small enough to enable the School to:

  1. Carry out the purposes and requirements for the physical education curriculum; and
  2. Ensure the safety of students participating in physical education.

Education Code 25.114, 28.002(d); 19 TAC 74.37

Classification for Physical Education

The School shall classify students for physical education on the basis of health into one of the following categories:

  1. Unrestricted—not limited in activities.
  2. Restricted—excludes the more vigorous activities. Restricted classification is of two types:
    1. Permanent – A member of the healing arts licensed to practice in Texas shall provide written documentation to the school as to the nature of the impairment and the expectations for physical activity for the student.
    2. Temporary – Students may be restricted from physical activity in the physical education class. A member of the healing arts licensed to practice in Texas shall provide written documentation to the school as to the nature of the temporary impairment and the expected amount of time for recovery. During the recovery time, the student shall continue to learn the concepts of the lessons but shall not actively participate in the skill demonstration.
  3. Adapted and remedial—specific activities prescribed or prohibited for students as directed by a member of the healing arts licensed to practice in Texas.

19 TAC 74.31

SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL (SHAC)

The Board shall establish a local school health advisory council (SHAC) to assist the School in ensuring that community values and health issues are reflected in the School’s health education instruction. Education Code 28.004(a) [See Policy BDF regarding composition of SHAC and Policy FFA regarding federal wellness requirements.]

Duties

The SHAC’s duties include recommending:

  1. The number of hours of instruction to be provided in health education in 1st to 8th grade; and high school graduation requirements of health education, physical health education and mental health education in grades 9 to 12.
  2. Policies, procedures, strategies, and curriculum appropriate for specific grade levels designed to prevent physical health concerns, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health concerns, including suicide, through coordination of
    1. Health education, which must address physical and mental health concerns to ensure the integration of physical health education and mental health education;
    2. Physical education and physical activity;
    3. Nutrition services;
    4. Parental involvement;
    5. Instruction on substance abuse prevention;
    6. School health services, including mental health services;
    7. A comprehensive school counseling and guidance program under Education Code 33.005 [see Policy FFEA];
    8. A safe and healthy school environment; and
    9. School employee wellness;
  3. Appropriate grade levels and methods of instruction for human sexuality instruction.
  4. Strategies for integrating the curriculum components specified by item 2, above, with the following elements in a coordinated school health programs
    1. School health services, including physical and mental health services, if provided at TSBVI or by a third party under contract with TSBVI;
    2. A comprehensive school counseling program under Education Code 33.005 [see Policy FFEA];
    3. A safe and healthy school environment; and
    4. School employee wellness;
  5. If feasible, joint use agreements or strategies for collaboration between the School and community organizations or agencies. Any agreement entered into based on a recommendation of the SHAC must address liability for the School and community organization;
  6. Appropriate grade levels and curriculum for instruction regarding opioid addiction and abuse and methods for administering an opioid antagonist; and
  7. Strategies to increase parental awareness regarding
    1. Risky behaviors and early warning signs of suicide risks and behavioral health concerns, including mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders; and
    2. Available community programs and services that address risky behaviors, suicide risks, and behavioral concerns.

Education Code 28.004(c)(n)

Policy Recommendations

The SHAC shall consider and make policy recommendations to the School concerning the importance of daily recess for elementary school students. The SHAC must consider research regarding unstructured and undirected play, academic and social development, and the health benefits of daily recess in making the recommendations. The SHAC shall ensure that local community values are reflected in any policy recommendations made to the School concerning the importance of daily recess for elementary school students. Education Code 28.004(l)

The SHAC shall make policy recommendations to the School to increase parental awareness of suicide-related risk factors and warning signs and available community suicide prevention services. Education Code 28.004(o)

CONTENT OF HUMAN SEXUALITY INSTRUCTION

Definitions

“Human sexuality instruction,” instruction in human sexuality,” and “instruction relating to human sexuality” include instruction in reproductive health.

“Curriculum materials” include the curriculum, teacher training materials, and any other materials used in providing instruction.

Education Code 28.004(p)

Board Selection

The Board shall determine the specific content of the School’s instruction in human sexuality. Education Code 28.004(h)

The Board shall select any instruction relating to human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) with the advice of the SHAC. The instruction must:

  1. Present abstinence as the preferred choice of behavior for unmarried persons of school age;
  2. Devote more attention to abstinence than to any other behavior;
  3. Emphasize that abstinence is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, infection with HIV or AIDS, and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity;
  4. Direct adolescents to a standard of behavior in which abstinence before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, infection with HIV or AIDS; and
  5. Teach contraception and condom use in terms of human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates if instruction on contraception and condoms is included in the curriculum.

Education Code 28.004(e)

Notice to Parents

Before each school year, the School will provide written notice to a parent of each student enrolled of the Board’s decision regarding whether human sexuality instruction will be provided to students. If instruction is provided, the notice must include:

  1. A statement informing the parent of the human sexuality instruction requirements under state law;
  2. A detailed description of the content of the School’s human sexuality instruction and a general schedule on which the instruction will be provided;
  3. A statement of the parent’s right to:
    1. At the parent’s discretion, review or purchase a copy of curriculum materials as provided by Education Code 28.004(j) [see Policy EFA];
    2. Remove the student from any part of that instruction without subjecting the student to any disciplinary action, academic penalty, or other sanction imposed by the School; and
    3. Use the grievance procedure or the appeals process under Education Code 7.057 concerning a complaint of a violation of these provisions;
  4. A statement that any curriculum materials in the public domain used for the School’s human sexuality instruction must be posted on the TSBVI internet website and the internet website address at which the curriculum materials are located; and
  5. Information describing the opportunities for parental involvement in the development of the curriculum to be used in human sexuality instruction, including information regarding the SHAC.

A parent may use the grievance procedure at Policy FNG concerning a complaint of a violation of notice requirements.

Education Code 28.004(i)-(i-1)

Parent Consent Before Instruction

Before a student may be provided with human sexuality instruction, the School must obtain the written consent of the student’s parent. A request for written consent may not be included with any other notification or request for written consent provided to the parent, other than the notice provided under Education Code 28.004(i), described above, and must be provided to the parent not later than the 14th day before the date on which the human sexuality instruction begins. The requirements in this paragraph expire on August 1, 2024. Education Code 28.004(i-2)-(i-3)

Condoms

The School may not distribute condoms in connection with instruction relating to human sexuality. Education Code 28.004(f)

Separate Classes

If the School provides human sexuality instruction, it may separate students according to sex for instructional purposes. Education Code 28.004(g) [See Policy FB regarding single-sex classes under Title IX]

Adoption of Materials

The TSBVI Board adopts this policy, establishing a process for the adoption of curriculum materials for the School’s human sexuality instruction. This policy requires:

  1. The Board to adopt a resolution convening the SHAC for the purpose of making recommendations regarding the curriculum materials;
  2. The SHAC to:
    1. After the Board’s adoption of the resolution, hold at least two public meetings on the curriculum materials before adopting recommendations; and
    2. Provide the adopted recommendations to the Board at a public meeting of the Board; and
  3. The Board, after receipt of the SHAC’s recommendations under item 2 above, will take action on the adoption of the recommendations by a record vote at a public meeting [See Policy BDF].

Before adopting curriculum materials for the School’s human sexuality instruction, the Board shall ensure that the curriculum materials are:

  1. Based on the advice of the SHAC;
  2. Suitable for the subject and grade level for which the curriculum materials are intended; and
  3. Reviewed by academic experts in the subject and grade level for which the curriculum materials are intended.

Availability of Materials

Curriculum materials proposed to be adopted by the School’s human sexuality instruction must be made available as provided below, except copyrighted materials must be provided as described by items (2)(a) or (2)(c), as applicable.

The School shall make all curriculum materials used in human sexuality instruction available by:

  1. For curriculum materials in the public domain
    1. Providing a copy of the curriculum materials by mail or email to a parent of a student enrolled at the School on the parent’s request; and
    2. Posting the curriculum materials on the School’s internet website; and
  2. For copyrighted curriculum materials, allowing a parent of a student enrolled in the School to
    1. Review the curriculum materials at the student’s campus at any time during regular business hours;
    2. Purchase a copy of the curriculum materials from the publisher as provided by the School’s purchase agreement for the curriculum materials; and
    3. Review the curriculum materials online through a secure electronic account in a manner that prevents the curriculum materials from being copied and that otherwise complies with copyright law.

For purchase agreements entered into, amended, or renewed on or after September 1, 2021, if the School purchases from a publisher copyrighted curriculum materials for use in the School’s human sexuality instruction, the School shall ensure that the purchase agreement provides for a means by which a parent of a student enrolled at the School may purchase a copy of the curriculum materials from the publisher at a price that does not exceed the price per unit paid by the School for the curriculum materials.

Education Code 28.004(e-2), (j)-(j-1)

CHARACTER EDUCATION

TSBVI must adopt a character education program that includes the following positive character education traits and personal skills:

  1. Courage;
  2. Trustworthiness, including honesty, reliability, punctuality, and loyalty;
  3. Integrity;
  4. Respect and courtesy;
  5. Responsibility, including accountability, diligence, perseverance, self-management skills, and self-control;
  6. Fairness, including justice and freedom from prejudice;
  7. Caring, including kindness, empathy, compassion, consideration, patience, generosity, charity, and interpersonal skills;
  8. Good citizenship, including patriotism, concern for the common good and the community, responsible decision-making skills, and respect for authority and the law;
  9. School pride; and
  10. Gratitude.

In developing or selecting a character education program under Education code 29.906, TSBVI shall consult with a committee selected by the School that consists of parents of TSBVI students, educators, and other members of the community, including community leaders.

The provisions above do not require or authorize proselytizing or indoctrinating concerning any specific religious or political belief.

Education Code 29.906

 

Adopted:         11/13/81

Amended:       9/21/84, 1/29/93, 1/26/96, 3/21/97, 5/28/03, 1/28/05, 9/22/06, 11/16/07, 11/9/12, 9/20/13, 4/5/19, 1/31/20, 8/6/21, 2/18/22

Reviewed: