The educational program shall provide both formal studies to meet the general academic needs of all students and, to the extent possible, opportunities for individual students to develop specific talents and interest in more specialized fields.
An atmosphere shall prevail in which healthy growth is fostered, in which ability is recognized and excellence encouraged, and in which a productive life is held before students as a model to emulate.
The various instructional programs shall be developed with the view toward maintaining balanced, integrated and sequentially articulated curricula which will serve the educational needs of all school-age children in the District.
Elementary Program
The program of instruction in the elementary schools shall include the language arts (reading, writing, spelling, and oral and written expression), the social sciences, mathematics, science, physical education, health, music, and arts and crafts. Each of the subject matter fields shall embrace, insofar as is practical, instruction in study and work habits, library usage, safety, thrift, conservation, health and hygiene, citizenship, the establishment of purpose and the development of character.
Middle School Program
At the middle level, schools will continue to provide instruction and assessment in content standards. This instruction shall include language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, including instruction in civics, geography, history and economics. Students will also have the opportunity to expand their talents and interests through an exploratory/electives program that provides instruction in content standards. As determined by each middle school, this exploratory/electives program may include any combination of the following courses: visual arts, music, technical education, world languages, physical education, health, consumer and family studies, computer/keyboarding/business, and other appropriate middle level course offerings. Middle schools will provide interventions to prepare students for high school and will instruct students about, and expect students to adhere to, the student code of conduct. Additionally, prior to an eighth grade student's enrollment in his or her ninth grade courses, a list of courses the school district has available that satisfies the Colorado Commission of Higher Education's higher education admission guidelines will be provided to the student and his or her parents/guardians.
High School Program
The high school has been designed to serve the needs of students in grades nine through twelve. High school will balance core academic expectations for all students in the achievement of content standards while serving the diverse talents and interests of our students. It is the joint responsibility of staff, students, and parents/guardians to ensure that students meet the core academic expectations and develop those talents and interests over the four years of high school.
High school will provide students with the academic skills to pursue further education and to be a competent member of the workforce. In addition, students will be instructed about, and be expected to be, participating citizens. Students will adhere to the student code of conduct up to and including the day of graduation. Graduation shall be the culminating event for students after they have met the requirements for a high school diploma.
Preparation for Postsecondary Opportunities
Students are encouraged to plan for postsecondary opportunities, so they will be adequately prepared upon graduation from high school. Each student who enrolls in the sixth grade, on the day of enrollment, will be encouraged to register with the state-provided, free online college planning and preparation resource, commonly referred to as "CollegeInColorado."
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) will provide information to the parents/guardians of eighth grade students about the admission requirements for institutes of higher education in Colorado. In addition, the District will make information available to these same parents/guardians about the courses the district offers that meet the CCHE admission requirements. This information will be made available to parents/guardians prior to the student's enrollment in his or her ninth grade courses.
Beginning in ninth grade, District personnel shall assist students to develop and maintain individual career and academic plans. The student's career and academic plan will be designed to assist the student and the student's parent/guardian in exploring the postsecondary career and educational opportunities available to the student, aligning course work and curriculum, applying to postsecondary education institutions, securing financial aid and ultimately entering the workforce.
Adoption Date: November 14, 2005
Last Revised: November 09, 2009
| Cross References: | JIC - Student Conduct |
| IKF - Graduation Requirements | |