section 6000 instruction · the length of the instructional time shall be at least 5 hours per day...

SECTION 6000

INSTRUCTION

Last Review Date Calendar

6111 8/08 Calendar

6112 8/08 School Day 6125 3/08 Student Wellness

6200 8/08 Acceptable Use Policy for Internet Usage 6201 11/09 Internet Safety Policy 6230 11/09 Instructional Material Selection

\ 6231 11/10 Complaints/Concerns Regarding Library Resources 6232 8/08 Use of Multi-Media Presentations in the Instructional Program

6249 8/08 Family Life Education Program 6251 8/08 Instruction Time: Religious Education

6260 8/08 Extra and Co-Curricular Activities

6261 8/08 Private Transportation of Children During Field Trips 6262 8/08 School-Sponsored Trips or Events Where Swimming or Water Sport Activities May Be Involved

6263.0 1/11 Student Travel 6263.1 11/09 School Employees Leading Tour Programs Not Sponsored by the School

6264 8/08 Athletic Programs

6410 8/08 Class Size K-8 6411 8/08 Class Size-High School

6420 8/08 Homework

6430 8/08 Testing Program 6600 8/08 Accreditation

6800 8/08 Home Schooling and Dual Enrollment 6810 8/08 Professional Research and Publishing

Revised and approved:

2/2/5/92 8/98

12/01 1/11/05 5/23/05 4/10/06 3/7/08 8/28/08 4/16/09 11/2/09 11/23/09 1/25/11

Department of Education Adopted 3/78 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 8/08 Revised 5/94; 2/05;5/05;8/08

____________________________POLICY___6111.0 CALENDAR

Each school will develop a calendar consistent with state regulations, SACS and diocesan directions. Each calendar must be approved by the Superintendent of Schools each year.

Department of Education Adopted 3/78 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 5/05; 8/08 Revised 5/94; 2/05; 5/05; 8/08

_______________________REGULATION___6111.0 CALENDAR

The minimum number of actual student instructional days is 175 days. Additional days for professional development, parent-teacher conferences and workdays for teachers should be added to the calendar. The calendar will be submitted to the Superintendent for Approval and may not be changed, after approval, without consent from the Superintendent. Parents should be notified of changes in the calendar, except for emergency situations, at least two weeks in advance.

Department of Education Adopted 3/78 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 5/05; 8/08 Revised 4/87; 4/92; 2/05; 5/05; 8/08

____________________________POLICY___6112.0

SCHOOL DAY

The length of the school day shall meet the requirements of the State, National Accreditation Standards and Diocesan directives.


_______________________REGULATION___6112.0

SCHOOL DAY

The length of the instructional time shall be at least 5 hours per day for grades 1-12. The actual length of the school day must provide for the minimum number of instructional minutes for each subject area, as set by Diocesan guidelines. Lunch, recess and planning time is not included in instructional time. Permission to have an early dismissal for faculty meetings or any other reason must be requested and approved by the Superintendent. In no case may early dismissal occur before 5 hours of instructional time is met.

Department of Education Adopted 6/06 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 1/08 Revised 2/08

_____________________ __POLICY___6125.0 STUDENT WELLNESS

The Diocese and Catholic schools recognize the importance of nutrition, health and physical activities for its students. All Diocesan and Parish-based schools shall have the following goals related to wellness: Nutrition Education Minimum nutritional standards for foods available on school campus during the day School-based activities to promote student wellness Physical education and physical activity for students Involvement of the school community Each school will be responsible for developing strategies to achieve these goals. The Diocese will provide a means to evaluate progress annually.

Department of Education Adopted 6/06 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 1/08 Revised 7/06; 11/07;3/08

______________________REGULATION___6125.0 STUDENT WELLNESS P. 1 of 2

Nutrition Education: Each school will include nutrition education in its curriculum. Nutrition standards for all foods available on school campus during the school day: Foods served or sold in the school will follow the guidelines established by the Diocesan Schools Office. Guidelines for reimbursable school meals will be no less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of Section 10 of the Child Nutrition Act (42 U.S.C. 1758 (f) (1) and 17 (a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758 (f) (1), 1766(a) (0), as those regulations and guidance apply to schools. The school shall provide a clean, safe, enjoyable meal environment for students. School-based activities to promote student wellness: Students will be given opportunities for physical activity during the day through physical education classes, daily recess periods for elementary school students and the integration of physical activity into the academic curriculum. Students will be given opportunities for physical activity through a range of before and/or after school programs including, but not limited to, intramurals, interscholastic athletics and physical activity clubs. Every child will be given an opportunity for physical activity each day.

Department of Education Adopted 6/06 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 1/08 Revised 7/06; 11/07; 1/08

______________________REGULATION___6125.0 STUDENT WELLNESS P. 2 of 2 Physical Education and physical activity: Schools will include physical education in its curriculum. Elementary and Middle Schools will provide physical education and/or physical activity each day. The High Schools will provide opportunities for physical activity each day. Assessment: Periodic Reviews will occur for each school and include parents, teachers and students. A report will be submitted to the Catholic Schools Superintendent’s Office at the end of each school year.

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Department of Education Adopted 3/98 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 5/05 Revised 8/98; 2/05; 5/05; 8/08

____________________________POLICY___6200.0 ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR INTERNET USE: The Internet is to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner and must be in support of the educational objectives and the student behavior guidelines of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to:

violating copyright laws reposting (forwarding) personal communications without the author's prior consent using threatening or obscene material distributing material protected by trade secret utilizing the Internet for commercial purposes seeking unauthorized access to any resource (hacking into other computers or files on the

Internet or network) downloading, copying, installing or transmitting commercial software, shareware or freeware

without permission from the school's designated computer specialist providing political or campaign information using someone else’s account or user name harassing someone any use of sites that specifically involve unacceptable topics such as sex, violence, drugs, etc.

Netiquette Rules: Users must abide by network etiquette rules. These rules include, but are not limited to:

Be polite; rudeness is never acceptable. Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other abusive or

inappropriate language. Do not reveal your personal address or telephone number or those of anyone else. Do not disrupt use of the network. Assume that all communications and information accessible via the network is private property.

Privileges: The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in limitation or cancellation of user privileges. In addition, inappropriate use may result in suspension or expulsion from the school.

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Disclaimer: The Catholic School is not responsible for any damages suffered, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, service interruptions, or inaccurate information. The user accepts personal responsibility for any information obtained via the Internet. Security: Security on any computer system is high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Attempts to login to the system as any other user or to share any password will result in cancellation of user privileges. If you identify a security problem, you must notify the system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Note that electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private; system operators have access to all mail. Use of the Internet and E-mail will be routinely monitored to ensure compliance with this policy. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to authorities. Violation of this policy may result in suspension, expulsion and/or legal action, if appropriate. Vandalism: Vandalism will result in cancellation of user privileges and may result in a suspension or expulsion. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment and/or data of anyone connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, uploading, creating, or transmitting computer viruses.

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Department of Education Adopted 10/09 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed Revised

_____________________ POLICY _6201.0 INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

It is the policy of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte to: (1) prevent user access over its computer network or transmission of inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail or other forms of direct electronic communication; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No 106-554 and 47 USC 254th (h)].

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_____________________ REGULATION _6201.0 INTERNET SAFETY POLICY (PAGE 1 OF 2)

Definitions Key definitions are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte includes Charlotte Catholic High School, Bishop McGuinness High School, Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, Asheville Catholic, Immaculata, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, Our Lady of Grace, Our lady of Mercy, Sacred Heart, St. Leo, St. Ann, St. Gabriel, St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Michael, St. Patrick and St. Pius X Catholic Schools. Access to Inappropriate Material To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or lawful purposes. Inappropriate Network Usage To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.,

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_____________________ REGULATION _6201.0 INTERNET SAFETY POLICY (PAGE 2 OF 2) Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. Education Schools will educate faculty, staff, students and parents about appropriate online behavior, including cyber- bullying awareness and response as well as interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms. Supervision and Monitoring It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’ Internet Protection Act. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Diocese of Charlotte.


_____________________ __POLICY___6230.0 INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL SELECTION

The criteria based on best practices and Diocesan Guidelines for evaluation and selection of instructional materials will be the basis for choice of textbooks and extra materials for the classrooms and libraries. Instructional materials and textbooks will be evaluated and selected by a committee of educators, under the Catholic Schools Office leadership. Texts for Religious Education must be on the USCCB approved textbook list and/or approved by the Vicar for Education. All basic textbooks in other areas must be approved by the Catholic Schools Office.

Department of Education Adopted 2/00 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 8/08 Revised 8/08; 1/11

_____________________ __POLICY___6231.0 COMPLAINTS/CONCERNS REGARDING LIBRARY RESOURCES

The mission of all diocesan school libraries/media centers is to support the curriculum and foster a love of reading. Resources will promote students’ abilities to become effective, efficient and ethical users of ideas and information. All resources chosen for libraries in diocesan schools must take into account students’ diverse reading abilities and must be age appropriate. In addition, the resources shall conform to diocesan policies and guidelines regarding Catholic education and moral development in general. A parent, guardian or staff member may raise an objection to the placement of any resource in the library/media center. Each school shall follow the standards stated in Regulation 6231, for reviewing and responding to complaints regarding resources.

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_____________________ REGULATION_6231.0 COMPLAINTS/CONCERNS REGARDING LIBRARY RESOURCES (Page 1 of 2)

The complaint/concern regarding inappropriate resources must be filed with the principal, using the diocesan-approved form. Within ten (10) school days, a written acknowledgement of the receipt of the complaint must be made by the principal to the person issuing the written complaint. A standing media review committee, comprised of the school librarian/media specialist, two or three teachers and a parent, will review the complaint. Within fifteen (15) school days of acknowledgement of receipt of complaint, the committee will make a recommendation to the principal as to the appropriateness of the resource in question. The principal will review the recommendation and make a decision on the material resource in question. The principal will provide a written response of his/her decision to the person issuing the initial complaint. This decision and notification will take place within ten (10) days of receiving the committee’s report. An appeal of the principal’s decision may be made to the Pastor (at the parish-based school level) or to the Superintendent of Schools (at a regional or diocesan-school level), within ten (10) school days of the issuance of the decision. The decision of the Pastor or Superintendent regarding the resource in question will be binding for the school.

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Diocese of Charlotte

Parent/Guardian Request for Reconsideration

Of School Library/Media Materials

Name of person making request: _________________________________ Phone: __________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ Complainant is either _______ (parent/guardian of child in the school OR _____ (staff member) If a parent/guardian of a student in this school: _____________________________ _________ Child’s full name Grade Name of the school owning the item to be reconsidered: ________________________________________ Title of item: _______________________________________________ Format: _______________ (Please complete separate form for each individual title to be reviewed) (book, video, etc.) Author/artist/composer, etc.:____________________________________________________ Publisher/producer: _________________________________________ Copyright date: ____________ How did you become aware of this item? ______________________________________________________ Did you read, view or listen to the entire item? ________ Yes _______ No If not, what part did you read, view or listen to: ________________________________________________ Is this item part of a series or set? ______ Yes ____ No If yes, did you examine other items in the series/set? _________________________________________ State your objection(s) and rationale. Please be specific, citing pages, frames, etc. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you aware of any evaluations of this item by authoritative sources? ______Yes _____ No If yes, did those sources agree with your opinion? _______ Yes ____ No List the sources: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________ Signature of Complainant Date


_____________________ __POLICY___6232.0 USE OF MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATIONS IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

The limited use of multi-media presentations may have a place in student instruction. Care must be taken that use of such presentations be relevant to the subject of study and be appropriate for a Catholic School environment.

Department of Education Adopted 1/06 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 8/08 Revised

_______________________REGULATION___6232.0 USE OF MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATIONS IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

All multi-media presentation, including videos, DVD’s, etc., must be instructional in nature, be pre-approved by the Principal and carry a “G” rating. If the multi-media presentation carries a rating other than “G”, in addition to prior approval by the Principal, parents or guardians must be given advanced notification and the option of their children to participate. Alternate educational activity must be made available to students not participating in any other than “G” multi-media presentations. In the case of a multi-media presentation carrying no rating, it is the responsibility of the Principal to “rate” the presentation and, based on this discernment, follow the protocol as noted above.

Department of Education Adopted 11/79 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 8/08 Revised 4/87; 3/93; 5/99; 2/05; 8/08

_____________________ __POLICY___6249.0 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAM K-8

Education in human development and basic Christian values is the primary right and responsibility of parents, as the first educators of their children. Education programs within the schools provide assistance to parents to assist them in carrying out their duty in this area. All schools in the Diocese of Charlotte will provide a program to address the needs of parents, according to the following norms: 1. All parents will be invited to take part in planning, presenting and evaluating programs 2. Parents will be involved in developing and/or assessing the philosophy and objectives of the course and should have the opportunity to examine proposed curricula and materials. 3. Teachers involved in the formal teaching will be carefully selected by the principal.


_____________________ REGULATION___6249.0 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAM K-8

A program in spiritual and physical formation will be introduced to all students at grade 1 and be continued throughout the school years up to and including grade 8. The course is to be presented gradually, adopted to the age and individual maturity of the student (To Teach As Jesus Did # 58) and planned as a cooperative effort of the family, Catholic Church and school education program. In the program, proper emphasis must be given to the spiritual and moral dimensions of sexuality. The guidelines as presented in “Sharing the Light of Faith # 191” will be implemented. Programs will be provided for parents to explain the purpose and components of the program and to help them develop an understanding of the need for involvement of the family unit. The parent programs will be scheduled before a program is implemented with students. Parents will have the opportunity to review the materials to be used in the program, before the classes begin for students. Teachers involved in teaching the program must be competent and at ease with the content and methodology. Textbooks and materials used in elementary and any secondary programs must be on the USCCB approved-textbook list and be approved by the Superintendent of Schools and Vicar for Education. Supplemental materials may be used, if approved by the Superintendent and Vicar for Education.


_____________________ __POLICY___6251.0 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION INSTRUCTION TIME

Religious Education programs for students should be scheduled so as to allow sufficient time for instruction and related activities.


_____________________ REGULATION___6251.0 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION INSTRUCTION TIME

Instruction for elementary Catechesis within the school, with may include participation at MASS, must have a minimum of: Grades K 120 minutes per week Grades 1-5 150 minutes per week Grades 6-8 200 minutes per week Instruction for secondary Catechesis in the high schools (9-12) must have a minimum of 200 minutes per week, with the goal of reaching 250 minutes per week.


_____________________ __POLICY___6260.0 CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A variety of co-curricular and/or extra-curricular activities, suitable to the age and needs of the students, will be offered when and where feasible. All Diocesan policies related to insurance/liability guidelines must be followed. Overnight/out-of-state forms must be completed and approved by the Superintendent of Schools, prior to any event being scheduled or arranged. All permission forms, including parent authorization, medical information, volunteer driver forms, etc. must be completed prior to any activity. Co-curricular and Extra-curricular activities, associated with the school, must be supervised by a school employee.

Department of Education Adopted 4/01 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 8/08 Revised 8/01; 2/05; 5/05;8/08

______________________ POLICY ___6261.0 PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION OF CHILDREN DURING FIELD TRIPS

All students must be properly secured as required by law, when being transported to any school-related event. No school employee may transport students in the employee’s personal car.


______________________REGULATION___6261.0 PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION OF CHILDREN DURING FIELD TRIPS

Every driver who is transporting one or more students during field trips or other school-related trips shall have all such passengers properly secured in a passenger restraint system or seat belt, which meets all applicable federal and state standards. Every driver is responsible for seeing that all children less than eight (8) years old and weighing less than eighty (80) pounds are properly secured in the REAR seat of a car in a child passenger restraint devise, which meets all applicable federal and state standards. Every driver is responsible to see that all students less than twelve (12) years old are secured in at the REAR seat of a car in a passenger restraint devise which meets all applicable federal and state standards.


________________________________POLICY___6262.0 SCHOOL-SPONSORED TRIPS OR EVENTS WHERE SWIMMING OR WATER SPORT ACTIVITIES MAY BE INVOLVED

For Kindergarten through 5th grade, there shall be no swimming or water sport activities included in school field trips or school-sanctioned events. For 6th through 12th grades, swimming and water sport activities should be avoided during field trips and school-sanctioned events, as outlined in the Diocesan Insurance and Risk manual. In the case such as the events become present when arriving at a destination: 1. Parent permission form must explicitly state the fact that swimming or other specified water activity while not planned, may present itself; consistent with other policy, this form must be signed by parent or guardian. 2. Certified lifeguards over the age of 21 must be on duty at all times that students are in swimming/water areas. 3. In addition, at least one adult chaperone, over the age of 21, must be present for every 7 students (grades 6-12) participating in swimming or water-related events. 4. The School Principal must review and approve (in writing) specific safety plans for any field trip involving swimming or water-related activities. 5. The Superintendent of Schools must pre-approve any school-sponsored field trips/events where swimming or water sports may be involved. All other field trip related policies apply (6260; 6262; 6263 and 6264).

Department of Education Adopted 1/78 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 8/10 Revised 9/87; 4/89; 1/92; 5/97; 2/05; 8/08; 1/11

________________________________POLICY___6263.0 STUDENT TRAVEL

Student travel under the auspices of the school must, if approved, adhere to all regulations pertaining to this policy. FOR ALL DAYTIME, OVERNIGHT AND/OR TRAVEL INCLUDING DAILY FIELD TRIPS: 1. There shall be a minimum of a one (1) to six (6) ratio of chaperones to students for grades K-5. 2. There shall be a minimum of a one (1) to eight (8) ratio of chaperones to students for grades 6-8. 3. There shall be a minimum of a one (1) to ten (10) ratio of chaperones to students for grades 9-12. OVERNIGHT AND/OR OUT OF STATE TRIPS: Overnight trips for Grades K-4 are prohibited. Overnight trips for Grades 5-12 may be permitted under the following conditions: 1. The trip must be curriculum related and reflect the curriculum standard on the request form. 2. Transportation must be arranged through either a Diocesan-owned bus or a commercial carrier, who shall provide the school with a certificate of insurance. In certain instances, with prior approval from the Diocese, privately-rented vans may be utilized as long as the insurance requirements set forth in the regulations are complied with. Private vehicles may not be used for overnight or out-of-state trips. 3. A request shall be submitted to the Superintendent at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled trip, for approval. The request shall contain a certification that these conditions will be complied with, along with an itinerary for the proposed trip


_______________________REGULATION ___6263.0 STUDENT TRAVEL

1. Overnight travel for students must be educational and curriculum-related. There must be a correlation between what is being taught in the class and what is to be learned from the trip. Students need to know what to expect on the trip. 2. Students should be prepared for the learning experience of the trip. They should also follow up the experiences by discussing what they observed and by an assignment which will help them assimilate the knowledge gained on the trip. 3. Students must understand what is expected of them, especially with regard to conduct, manners, dress and performance. They need to understand that they are representing the school, parish and Diocese. A list of expectations is to be discussed with them before departure, including the items which may or may not be taken on the trip as well as what type of clothing to bring. The list of expectations shall be cleared with the principal and pastor (Superintendent for Diocesan and regional schools), prior to discussing with the students. 4. Permission forms and medical forms provided by the Catholic Schools Office are to be used and are to remain on file for at least one year after the trip. 5. For day trips only, insurance on school-owned vehicles must be cleared with the Diocese. Insurance on privately-owned vehicles must carry a minimum liability limit of $ 100,000/ $300,000. A Volunteer Driver Information Sheet must be filled out by each driver. 6. Any fund-raising for trips or other purposes, is not to interfere with the educational program in the school. Fund raising is to be kept to a minimum and must be done when classes are not in session. Activities that may jeopardize the safety of students are forbidden (See Policy/Regulation # 1311). 7. No student shall be denied participation on a scheduled trip due to lack of money for the trip.


________________________________POLICY___6263.1 SCHOOL EMPLOYEES LEADING TOUR PROGRAMS NOT SPONSORED BY THE SCHOOL

Teachers and other employees of a school, leading tour groups throughout the year or summer which are not school-sponsored trips, may not advertise their association with the school or Diocese, as part of their solicitation of students or others joining the tour. Teachers and other employees may not advertise or solicit students or other participants, through the school or Diocese.


_____________________ __POLICY___6264.0 ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

Athletic programs (Parish, School, Intramural and Interscholastic) provide an important and valuable experience for participants to learn the art and skill of a sport. Parents, teachers and coaches should encourage a participant’s efforts and graceful acceptance of both victory and defeat. Good sportsmanship is a major component of any athletic program and must be taught and exhibited by all participants in the program including athletes, coaches, parents and spectators. The Parish School Board or High School Board of Education is responsible for the implementation of this policy at the local school level. All school athletic associations or groups are accountable to the principal of the school. Parish athletic associations or groups are accountable to the pastor of the parish. It is recognized that in implementing an athletic program, there will be occasions for overnight and/or out-of-state trips by the teams. Such trips shall be submitted to the Superintendent of Schools for approval, in advance of the trip. If trip is approved, all provisions of any related student travel and field trip policies must be followed.


_____________________ REGULATION___6264.0 ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

The athletic programs should be proportionate to the pupils’ needs, interests and abilities. It must not interfere with the normal routine of school nor should it allow practices contrary to good sportsmanship. Excessive competition is to be avoided because it is detrimental to the psychological, physical and academic well-being of students. The principal is responsible for the supervision of all school-related sports programs. There should be various types of competitions. Intra-mural competition should be stressed and inter-mural competitions should be an outgrowth of the intra-mural program. Intra-mural competition is to be limited to a reasonable geographical area and reasonable financial costs. Each parish or school board is to develop a policy and regulation on athletics, specific to the local needs, in conformity with Diocesan Policies.


_____________________ __POLICY___6410.0 CLASS SIZE K-8

The number of students to be allowed in a classroom for grades K-8, will vary in accordance with the instructional program, methodology of the school and financial considerations of the parish and/or school. The maximum number of students in one classroom, for grades K-8, is 30.


_____________________ REGULATION___6410.0 CLASS SIZE K-8

Under normal circumstances, the maximum class size will be 30 in grades K-8. There are certain circumstances which may make it necessary to enroll more than the maximum number in one classroom, including but not limited to siblings of currently-enrolled students, retention of a student in a grade which has already been filled for the upcoming school year and in short-term circumstances such as impending family transfers. In all cases, the Superintendent of Schools must approve additional enrollment in any classroom. Certain requirements must be met by the school, if maximum class size is exceeded by more than one student. The requirements include: A. 800+ square feet in the classroom, or use of the largest classroom in the building B. Paid teacher assistant for a minimum of the hours of basic instructional time (Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts and Religion). Extra funding would be needed to provide these hours above the normal teacher assistant hours of a classroom with 30 or below. Any exception to this regulation must have prior-approval, in writing, from the Superintendent of Schools.


_____________________ __POLICY___6411.0 CLASS SIZE 9-12

The number of students to be allowed in a classroom for grades 9-12, will vary in accordance with the instructional program, methodology of the school and financial considerations of the school.


_____________________ REGULATION___6411.0 CLASS SIZE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Under normal circumstances, the average class size for high school courses will be 30 in grades 9-12. Each teacher shall teach no more than 750 students per week or 150 students per day. Exceptions to this regulation must be approved, in writing, by the Superintendent of Schools.


_____________________ __POLICY___6420.0 HOMEWORK

Homework has a positive place in the educational process. Homework should be designed to reinforce teaching and meet the needs of individual students. The nature and amount of homework will be assigned with consideration for the students’ need of time for non-academic activities after school hours.

Department of Education Adopted 3/78 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 8/08 Revised 4/87; 3/93;; 2/05; 8/08

_____________________ __POLICY___6430.0 TESTING PROGRAM

In order to provide for on-going evaluation of the educational program in the schools of the Diocese of Charlotte, an adequate testing program will be set and monitored regularly.

Department of Education Adopted 3/78 Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Last Reviewed 8/08 Revised 4/87; 3/93;2/05; 8/08

_____________________ REGULATION___6430.0 TESTING PROGRAM

Elementary students in grades 3-8 are to be given an annual National Achievement test, as directed by the Catholic Schools Office. Ability tests are to be given annually to grades 4 and 7. Kindergarten students are to be given a Readiness Test at the end of Kindergarten or the beginning of First Grade. Eighth-grade students will take a high-school placement test for entrance into a Diocesan Catholic High School. High school students will take an aptitude and/or achievement test in grades 9 and 11. High school students will be encourage to take the PSAT, SAT and ACT before the end of their senior year. All 5th, 8th and 11th grade students will take the ACRE (Assessment of Catholic Religious Education) or similar assessment, as approved by the Diocese of Charlotte.


____________________________POLICY___6600.0 ACCREDITATION

The plan and process of accreditation, as approved by the Diocesan Board of Education and as directed by the Catholic Schools Office, shall be used by all schools in the Diocese..


_______________________REGULATION___6600.0

ACCREDITATION

The elementary, middle and secondary schools in the Diocese of Charlotte will be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Catholic Schools Office will investigate and if approved, begin to move the schools in the Diocese under a District Accreditation Model as set up by SACS/CASI and AdvancEd. If District Accreditation is the model selected, all schools will participate in the process and follow guidelines and recommendations resulting from the District Accreditation final report.


____________________________POLICY___6800.0 HOME SCHOOLING AND DUAL ENROLLMENT

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte do not provide home schooling nor approve dual enrollment in non-accredited programs.


_____________________REGULATION ___6800.0 HOME SCHOOLING AND DUAL ENROLLMENT

Home Schooling: The Diocese of Charlotte maintains a system of schools accredited through SACS/AdvancEd. The Catholic Schools Office respects the right of parents/guardians as the first educators of their children. Parents/guardians choosing the home-school option should contact the State Department of Public Education, to receive approval to educate their children at home. The State Department of Public Instruction has the primary authority in these programs and all reporting responsibilities belong to the same group. The Catholic schools within the Diocese of Charlotte do not provide this option, because of the importance of a holistic education which socializes a student into a Catholic faith community, helps establish positive self-image and develops relationships with adults and other students. Furthermore, the students have the opportunity to discover appropriate Christian values to apply to contemporary issues and modern developments. Dual Enrollment: Catholic schools within the Diocese of Charlotte may not enter into dual enrollment arrangements with non-accredited schools, for any portion of a day. In addition to the reasons cited above, this position is taken because of our commitment to operating Catholic accredited schools.


_____________________ __POLICY___6810.0 PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH AND PUBLISHING

All research studies must be approved in advance, by the Superintendent of Schools.


_____________________ REGULATION___6810.0 PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH AND PUBLISHING

The school system recognizes the value of educational research conducted by staff members. However, all research studies carried out within the school system, using diocesan school data of any kind or staff/students as subjects, must be approved in advance by the Superintendent of Schools. When students or staff members are involved in research, there will be adequate protection of their rights and welfare. Written consent by the parent or guardian must be obtained. Parents of children who are subjects of research or adult staff members who are subjects must be provided with: A. An explanation of procedures and the purposes of the study B. A description of any possible risks and benefits to be reasonably expected C. Instruction on the right to refuse to participate or discontinue participation at any time without prejudice or consequences

section 6000 instruction · the length of the instructional time shall be at least 5 hours per day...

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