Use of Non-Print Media
The following procedures will be followed when using non-print materials - including commercially produced films.
Instructional Materials - The following non-print materials are approved for use:
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Films and Documentaries produced specifically as educational materials and disseminated by NYSED or the BOCES Library system.
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Commercially produced films and documentaries when used for direct instructional purposes in College level courses taught within the district are not subject to this policy.
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The following procedure is to be used for all other non-print media:
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G-rated films may be shown at any grade level.
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PG films may be appropriate at any grade level. However, informed consent is required grades K-6
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PG-13 films may be appropriate for grades 7-12. However, informed consent is required from grade 7- 9.
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R films may be appropriate for grades 10 and up. However, informed consent is required. Sensational, lurid, graphically violent, patently indecent scenes or materials of a sexual nature will be excluded. However, non-print material of high quality that includes sexual incidents or profanity that is consistent with the lesson objectives shall not be automatically disqualified.
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NC-17 films may not be shown at any grade level including college level courses.
Procedure for informed consent:
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The instructor will present the building level review committee with a written justification for use of the material. This justification will outline the rationale for use of the material and explore the applicability of the material to current subject area and state standards. Justifications must be submitted to the committee at least 4 weeks prior to the proposed analysis of the material.
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Each building will have a review committee consisting of at least 5 individuals. This committee will include the library media specialist, the building principal, a pupil services representative (school counselor, nurse, psychologist), and no fewer than two department/team members. When possible, the entire department from that particular building should be included. This committee will watch and review the film prior to voting on its justification. The committee will decide upon the film's use or non-use in the educational setting described in the rationale. This determination will be made based on the review criteria established under the "Use of Non-Print Media Checklist." A unanimous decision by all committee members is required in order for a proposed film to be approved for use. The teacher submitting the proposal shall not be a voting member on their submission. Once material is approved for use for a particular setting and grade level, it may be retained for use each year thereafter.
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If the film is to be used, a letter of "Informed Consent" along with the procedures for the use of non-print media will be mailed home to parents two weeks prior to the study of the film informing parents of the content of the film (including the reasoning behind the film's MPAA rating), the teacher's rationale for using the film, and available resources for the parent to review/research the film. Teachers will offer an alternate assignment for students should parents choose to opt their son or daughter out of viewing the film. The alternative assignment will be of equal rigor and consistent with the subject and or content to that explored through the films' usage.
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Only those students whose parent or guardian has returned a signed consent form to the instructor will be allowed to view the film.
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A student who wishes to opt out of viewing material, for which a parent has granted permission, may choose the alternative assignment.
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A conflict arising from a review committee decision will be directed through the building principal to the committee for discussion.
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