The basic instruction program will include the courses required for each grade level by the Iowa Department of Education.
The basic instruction program of students enrolled in early childhood programming will include curricula and instruction designed to develop and extend literacy skills in expressive and receptive language, mathematics, social and interaction skills, and fine and gross motor skill acquisition.
The basic instruction program of students enrolled in junior kindergarten or kindergarten is designed to develop growth in language arts and communication skills, mathematics, the capacity to complete individual tasks, and the ability to protect and increase physical wellbeing with attention given to experiences relating to the development of life skills.
The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades 1 through 6 will include English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, physical education, traffic safety, music, visual arts, and computer science. Career planning and pathways will also be taught in grades 5 and 6. Computer science will be offered during at least one grade level.
The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades 7 and 8 will include English-language arts; social studies including instruction related to civics; mathematics; science; health; family and consumer science; career instruction, exploration, and development; technology education; physical education; music; visual arts; and computer science. Computer science will be offered during at least one grade level.
The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 will include English-language arts (6 units), social studies (5 units), mathematics (6 units), science (5 units), health (1 unit), physical education (1 unit), fine arts (2 units), foreign language (2 units), financial literacy (1/2 unit), vocational education (12 units), and computer science (1/2 unit).
The board may, in its discretion, offer additional courses in the instruction program for any grade level.
Each instruction program is carefully planned for optimal benefit taking into consideration the financial condition of the district and other factors deemed relevant by the board or superintendent. Each instruction program’s plan should describe the program, its goals, the effective materials, the activities, and the method for student evaluation.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations stating the required courses and optional courses for early childhood, junior kindergarten, kindergarten, grades 1 through 6, grades 7 and 8, and grades 9 through 12.
Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 6/11; 1/18; 2/24
Revised: 7/12; 9/13; 4/15; 9/19; 2/21; 6/21; 8/24; 1/25; 9/25; 9/26
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§216.9; 256.9, .11; 279.8; 280.3-14; 281 IAC 12.5, .11; 20 USC § 1232h; 34 CFR Pt 98
IASB Reference: 603.01