V.
SECTION V
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
5.01
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
The district philosophy of education can be best expressed in the statement: Education is growth.
This means not only intellectual growth, but also physical, social and emotional development.
This will be a district where the intellectual, physical, and psychological growth of our children
will be the chief aims. Nothing could speak better of our schools than having them be places of
constructive action and of happiness where teachers are directors of learning and learning
activities lead to self-conduct and self direction.
We will strive to develop the fullest potential of each individual student to cope with life. We
will teach skills in communication, computation, problem solving, reading, observing,
investigation, listening, analyzing, and evaluation.
It is also our responsibility to help students develop a positive self-image through self-respect,
self-analysis, and self-improvement.
The keynote is: growth through experience. The student is taught to think, to feel, and to act.
Through this type of education, we develop in each student an understanding of the
responsibilities of good citizenship and inspire loyalty to and respect for the ideals of our
democratic society, and to foster positive sportsman conduct.
The Board supports the principles and philosophies of "Character Counts"
5.02
INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
The ten instructional goals for the district address themselves to the true meaning of quality in
education. They are relevant to the lives of learners of any age whether they are in formal
institutions of learning, in programs of continuing education, or in any environment where
learning is taking place. Each learner who has the potential and inner strength should strive
toward the ideals explicit and implicit in each goal.
1. Physical and Emotional Well-Being
Education should contribute to the learner's physical and emotional well-being, especially to
a sense of personal worth and to a capacity for influencing one's own destiny.
2. Basic Communication Skills
Education should develop in each learner the basic skills needed for communication,
perception, evaluation, and conceptualization of ideas. Among the most important are
reading, writing, speaking, listening, visual, and computational skills.
3. Effective Uses of Knowledge
Education should provide each learner access to man's cultural heritage, stimulate intellectual
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curiosity, and promote intellectual development, and to promote creative thinking skills.
4. Capacity and Desire for Lifelong Learning
Education should foster and stimulate in each learner the natural desire for lifelong learning
and should develop the skills necessary to fulfill that desire.
5. Citizenship in a Democratic Society
Education should provide each learner with a knowledge and understanding of how our
society functions in theory and in practice. Education must also foster individual
commitment to exercise the rights and responsibility of citizenship and to protect the rights of
others, and to foster positive sportsman conduct.
6. Respect for the Community of Man
Education should provide each learner with knowledge and experience which contribute to an
understanding of human similarities and differences and which advance mutual respect for
humanity and for the dignity of the individual.
7. Occupational Competence
Education should provide the learner with the skills, experience, attitudes, and guidance for
initial job placement. It is even more important for the learner to develop a capacity to adapt
to changing conditions.
8. Understanding of the Environment
Education should provide each learner with knowledge and understanding of the social,
physical, and biological worlds and of the balance between man and his/her environment; it
should also develop attitudes and behavior leading to intelligent use of the environment.
9. Creative Interests and Talents
Education should provide each learner with varied opportunities to nurture talents, and to
express values and feelings through various media.
10. Individual Values and Attitudes
Education should expand and advance the human dimensions for all learners, especially by
helping them to identify and cultivate their own spiritual, moral, and ethical values and
attitudes.
5.03
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
A. The district maintains one central campus with two schools which are organized as follows:
Elementary
K-6
High School
7-12
B.
Length of Day: The school day shall be:
8:00 A. M.
--3:55 P.M.
Buses will arrive from 7:35 to 7:45 a.m.; students shall have a 30 minute lunch period.
5.04
BASIC PROGRAM
A basic educational program, sequentially developed, is provided to serve the needs of the
community.
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There shall be a basic curriculum to provide for the intellectual growth of all students,
kindergarten through twelfth grade, so developed that learning experiences and achievement may
vary according to individual needs and abilities and give all students a basic body of
understandings, attitudes, knowledge, and skills.
This policy provides each pupil, regardless of his/her occupational choice, the opportunity to
acquire the basic skills, knowledge, attitudes, and understandings needed for living in a pluralistic
democracy.
This policy will ensure that students have the opportunity to develop intellectual curiosity, critical
thinking, problem solving abilities, and aesthetic appreciation during their school years in such
manner that they will be used throughout a lifetime.
A. Curriculum
The written curriculum of the school, and program shall:
1. Be based upon an assessment of instructional and program needs.
2. Specify student competencies expected at identified points during the program.
3. Address, but not necessarily be limited to, the competencies and disciplines identified in
Educational Standards 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 and the New Mexico Proficiency Exam
4. Define the sequential progression of competencies to be attained in each program.
5. Provide for the evaluation of student performance both during and upon completion of
the program.
B. Instructional Program
The content presented at all levels K-12 shall assist students in the development of
competencies specified in Education Standards 4.1.3 and 4.3.1a, and shall include but not
limited to fine arts, computer literacy, comprehensive health education including substance
abuse education, language arts, mathematics, physical education, practical arts, science, and
social studies including New Mexico History.
1.
Elementary Instructional Program
Characteristics of the elementary program and that instruction:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
is basically self-contained to provide an integrated learning experience;
is child-centered to foster strong self-concepts;
utilizes individual, small group, and large group settings as appropriate;
encourages appreciation of individual and cultural differences;
provides access to a variety of stimulating and manipulative materials;
includes numerous opportunities for application of skills;
develops increasingly mature social interaction in an atmosphere of respect and trust;
provides a strong foundation in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, fine
arts, and physical education;
introduces students to relevant concepts in career awareness, safety, and health education.
2. Promotion Policy for Elementary
The final decision with respect to the status of a child as far as promotion, retention, or
advancement is concerned must rest in each case upon all factors which affect the general
welfare of a particular child. If a child is having difficulty and retention is being considered,
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the teacher must inform the parent regarding possible retention during the beginning of the
second (2nd) semester. The superintendent will also be notified at this time. Transfer
students who enroll after the second (2nd) semester, however, will be considered on an
individual basis. A follow-up conference must be scheduled by the teacher in March and
May regarding the final decision on retentions. The parent must be advised two weeks before
school is out. The district-approved forms for use in conjunction with retentions must be
used.
3. Junior High Educational Program
The school program shall include:
a. Language Arts
b. Mathematics
c. Social Studies
d. Sciences
e. Fine Arts
f. Physical Education
g. Vocational Exploratory Areas
h. Health Education
i. Teachers shall integrate the following learning areas into the required curriculum;
1. career awareness;
2. safety education;
3. drug education;
4. metric education.
5. Aids awareness
The educational experience shall be provided in a setting where students can practice
independence and interaction, leading toward responsible participation in a changeoriented
society. The curriculum shall include a variety of learning experiences to provide for the
wide range of interests and aptitudes in the school population. Concepts from various
cultures shall be used to enrich the learning process. Programs shall support a positive childparent-community interaction.
4. Promotion Policy
Students in the 7th and 8th grade are enrolled in four core courses--English, Math, Social
Studies, and Science--and three elective courses. Satisfactory completion of the four core
courses warrants promotion to the next grade. A student may fail one core course and be
promoted to the next grade if the average of the three elective courses is "D" or better. A
failure of two core courses or more, a student is subject to be retained. If retained, the
student's parents may appeal to a committee comprised of one administrator, a counselor,
three teachers and parents.
5. High School Program
A. Requirement for graduation.
Beginning with the graduating class of 2002, students must successfully complete of a
minimum of twenty-six (26) units in grades nine through twelve as required for
graduation. These units shall be as follows:
(1) Four units of English, with major emphasis on grammar and literature;
(2) Three units in mathematics;
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(3) Three units in science, two of which shall be laboratory science;
(4) Three units in social science, which shall include United States history and
geography, world history and geography, and government and economics;
(5) One unit in physical education;
(6) One unit in communication skills, with major emphasis on writing and speaking; and
(7) Eleven elective units. Only the following elective units shall be counted toward
meeting the requirements of graduation: fine arts, practical arts, health education;
physical education; languages other than English; ESL; speech; drama; vocational
education; mathematics; reading; science; English; social science; computer science;
and other electives approved by the State Board.
With written approval of the State Superintendent, required high school units for
graduation may be earned by a student taking advanced courses in grade eight, provided
the district documents why it is in the student's best interest to do so. These students
must still complete a minimum of 26 units while in grades nine-through twelve. Starting
with the graduating class of 2003, students must successfully complete a minimum of
twenty-eight (28) units in grades nine through twelve as required for graduation.
B. One unit of credit shall be awarded to a student for satisfactory completion of local
requirements and attainment of state and district competencies in each course designed
for one unit of credit. Final examinations shall be administered to all students in all
classes offered for credit. (Public School Code 222-8.4)
C. Credit shall be transferable with no loss of value between schools that are accredited by a
State Board of Education.
D. Credits earned through correspondence or extension study may be accepted if such
credits are from schools approved or accredited by the National Home Study Council, the
state board of education of the state in which they are located, or by college or university
which is regionally accredited for such purposes.
E. The State Board of Education shall issue a high school diploma to the New Mexico
residents who meet state GED certification requirements defined in State Board of
Education Regulation 80-12.
F. Beginning with students entering the ninth grade in the 1986-87 school year, no public
student shall receive a high school diploma who has not passed a state competency
examination (New Mexico High School Competency Examination) in the subject areas of
Reading, English, Math, Science, and Social Science. Other than as provided below, if a
student exits from the school system at the end of grade twelve without having passed a
state competency examination, he/she shall receive an appropriate state certificate
indicating the number of credits earned and the grade completed. (Public School Code
22-2-8.4)
G. With the approval of the local school board, the local superintendent may request written
approval from the State Superintendent to award a diploma to a student who had not
passed the competency examination. The district must document student attainment of
required competencies through an alternative assessment procedure.
H. Special education students shall be considered by the Educational Appraisal and Review
Committee for participation in the New Mexico High School Competency Examination
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(Educational Standard A.9.1.3.a).
regarding:
The committee shall make recommendations
(1) Participation or exemption from participation in the examination.
(2) Modification in administration of the examination, provided such modification does
not change the meaning of the test score. If modifications are recommended, prior
approval of the State Superintendent is required.
J. A special education student's Educational Appraisal and Review Committee is
responsible for commending to the local superintendent the appropriateness of whether a
student receives a high school diploma or a certificate of completion. Upon the
recommendation of the local school board and upon approval of the State Superintendent
of Public Instruction, a diploma may be awarded to a student in a special education
program upon completion of a planned course of study based on individualized
educational program objectives in lieu of required criteria for New Mexico high school
diplomas.
K. Valedictorian/Salutatorian Requirements: The valedictorian for the graduating class must
have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 and must read at grade level. The
salutatorian must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 and must be reading
at grade level. If there are no seniors who meet the above criteria, a valedictorian or
salutatorian will not be selected for that year. This policy is to be reviewed on an annual
basis.
5.05
ACADEMIC FREEDOM
The board believes that academic and professional freedom are essential to the education
profession.
The Board believes that academic freedom is the right of the learner and his/her teachers to
explore, present, and discuss divergent points of view in the quest for knowledge and truth.
Recognizing that freedom carries with it responsibility, academic freedom also carries with it
academic responsibility which is determined by the basic ideals, goals, and institutions of the
local community.
5.06
EVALUATION OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
An evaluation of the curriculum and its effectiveness shall be made at a minimum, in conjunction
with each accreditation and each instructional area textbook adoption cycle. This review shall be
reported to the Board by the Superintendent.
The district will design and conduct an on-going evaluation process which includes cognitive,
affective, and psychomotor areas using standardized and teacher-made tests as the main
evaluation tools.
The evaluation process shall be used for curriculum improvement and revision and to facilitate
meeting particular student needs. There shall be evidence that supports operational patterns or
suggests need for change.
5.07
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The district will follow state special education regulations in referral, testing, and placement
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which are applicable to this district.
5.08
CHAPTER I
In order to enhance the success of the Chapter I program and children it serves, all program
activities will be designed and implemented in consultation with the parents and teachers of the
children being served. Additionally an annual public meeting will be held and all parents of
eligible students will be invited to attend. In the meeting an explanation of programs and
activities to be funded by Chapter I will be explained. Parents will be given the opportunity to
voice concerns and ask questions regarding the services provided to their children. The district
will coordinate parent training. The district will assess the effectiveness of the parent
involvement program and instructional program through a Needs Assessment Survey.
5.09
LIBRARY SERVICES
A. Philosophy: The Board endorses the AASL School Library Bill of Rights and the NCTE's
The Student's Right to Read and reaffirms the responsibility of the school library to provide
book and non-book materials of a sufficient range and variety to meet the needs of the faculty
and students.
It is the responsibility of the library collection to contribute to a development of the whole person
as a productive member of a democratic society by containing a well rounded and well balanced
coverage of subjects, types of materials, and a variety of content.
B. Legal Responsibility: While the legal authority for the purchase of all library materials is
vested in the Board, the responsibility for the selection of materials has been delegated to the
school librarian.
C. Selection Personnel: Suggestions and recommendations may be made by administrators,
faculty, and students to the librarian.
5.10
GUIDANCE SERVICES
The district shall offer a guidance program concerned with physical, social, intellectual,
emotional, and vocational growth of each student. It will be integrated with the entire educational
program. The program shall help students (K-12) understand the role of education in their lives
and to think maturely about life planning, goal seeking, choice making, and problem solving.
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REPORT CARDS
The Board requires that parents be informed at regular intervals of the progress of their children.
The Superintendent shall establish means through which this shall be accomplished. The Board
will also encourage the administration and staff to work together to improve methods for
evaluating students' progress and to develop more meaningful ways to report achievement to
parents.
The grading system used in Hondo Valley Public Schools shall be as follows:
Letter Grade
A
B
C
Percentage
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
Meaning
Excellent
Good
Average
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D
F
W
Incomplete
60 - 69
0 - 59
P
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Below Average
Failing; no credit earned.
Withdrew; no credit earned.
this is a temporary grade; if the work is not
completed in the required time, the grade becomes
an F.
Passing; this grade may be given for certain
activities that earn credit but which do not count
toward a student's GPA.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE PERSONS
The Board encourages the enrichment of the curriculum and the widening of educational horizons
by inviting persons from outside the school with special knowledge, talents, or an interesting
vocation to address the students.
The time given by the resource person and the limitations imposed by the necessity to schedule
the regular program of studies must be considered when arranging for speakers.
5.13
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
It is of the utmost importance that all connected with extra-curricular activities familiarize
themselves with and adhere strictly to eligibility rules of the district and of the New Mexico
Activities Association. It shall be the policy of the district that every effort possible shall be
made to impress students with the importance of academic achievement as a condition for
eligibility to participate in activities.
5.14
STAFFING PATTERNS
A. Basic Program: The district shall select appropriate staffing patterns for its instructional
program. The overall district ratio of students to teachers shall not exceed twenty to one. In
determining this ratio, only classroom teacher positions (F.T.E.) shall be counted.
B. Special Education: Student/teacher ratio in special education is dependent upon the type of
program required and shall be in accordance with special education standards.
C. Vocational Education: Student/teacher ratio in vocational/technical education is dependent
upon the number of work stations provided. Enrollment shall not exceed the number of work
stations that can be supervised with safety and effectiveness.
5.15
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
A. Classroom: The district shall provide its schools with appropriate instructional materials and
equipment to carry out effectively the designed educational program.
Classroom teachers shall have the opportunity to recommend the equipment and teaching
materials necessary to particular needs.
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Textbooks shall be up-to-date and adequate to student needs and shall be in good physical
condition.
B. Library: The library shall be equipped and organized to achieve the objectives stated in the
Standards of Excellence as adopted by the New Mexico School Board of Education. (NM Act
3.2)
The district maintains a professional library to keep the staff informed of current trends and
research. These materials are available to teachers and others on a short term check-out
system.
5.16
AGE ELIGIBILITY FOR ENROLLMENT
A. Kindergarten: Children who are five years of age on or before 12:01 a.m. on September 1
of any given school year are eligible to enroll in kindergarten. Since students would not be
eligible to enroll in first grade the following year if they had been admitted to kindergarten
early, there will be no early admission provision to kindergarten.
B. First Grade: Qualified students are those who reach their sixth birthday on or before 12:01
a.m. September 1 on any given school year.
5.17
TEACHER HANDBOOK
School administrators, with assistance from the staff, shall compile a district Teacher's Handbook
and distribute it at pre-service annually. The current edition will be distributed to the Board and
become an Appendix C of this district policy manual.
5.18
HEALTH SERVICES
The Hondo Valley Public Schools shall provide health services as prescribed by State law.
5.19
STUDENT TRIPS
A. Field Trips: The Board supports the concept of educational field trips. Trips must comply
with applicable administrative rules and regulations, including completion of a written
request form and development of a full itinerary. All trips must be sanctioned by the
administration. Trips should usually be scheduled for months other than September,
December, and May.
Parent permission slips must be on file for each student on each trip. The trip must be
deemed beneficial and complementary to the educational program.
Each elementary classroom unit will be eligible for a minimum of one full-day field trip per
academic year. No elementary (K-5) overnight field trips will be scheduled. High school
teacher's requests are approved by the administration as justified and as funds permit.
Recreational activities may be a supplemental part of educational field trips with Board
approval.
It is advisable on all trips for parents to be encouraged and requested to participate as aides to
the teacher in charge of the trip. As most or all of our trips are with a mixed group of
students, it is preferred that both men and women sponsors accompany the group, especially
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for grades 7-12. In the case of overnight travel, this is mandatory.
B. Athletic and Activity Trips: Travel for the purpose of athletic competition or participation in
other curricular and extra-curricular activities is recognized as a necessary part of conducting
such programs. Sponsors are encouraged to secure a school bus driver's license. Permission
slips for this travel can be written to cover the entire sport or series of sports or organizational
activity (FFA, etc.) for the academic year.
All other travel must be approved by a specific parent permission slip. Overnight trips are
occasionally necessary, given the sparsity of our state, and although specific (additional)
permission slips for the occasions are not always required, the sponsor or coach must provide
the administration and parents with an itinerary for the trip.
C. Year End Picnics and Class Trips: Classes may schedule year end picnics. These picnics
may be off campus but within a maximum of 100 miles from campus. The trips will be
scheduled the last week of school if possible.
Policies covering class trips are outlined in Section 6.23.
5.20
FIESTA DANCERS
Background:
The Hondo Valley Fiesta Dancers have been an integral part of the Hondo Valley and the Hondo
Valley Schools for the last 40 years since the group was founded in 1948 by Mr. and Mrs. Fermin
Montes. The dance group draws its performance membership from students attending the Hondo
Valley Schools and is well known in New Mexico, having performed in several cities and
communities throughout the state.
Intent:
In the interest of continuing to offer this type of opportunity for participation and exposure to the
students of the Hondo Schools and allow them to continue portraying the Mexican/Spanish
American heritage of the Hondo Valley, the Board of Education approves and supports the
Fiesta program.
1. Hondo Valley School's Fiesta Activities will be held on the Friday and Saturday in May
which the Fiesta Committee determines to be the best time. The dates will be determined
annually with approval of the Board.
2. Fiesta activities will include dance performances. A concession will be allowed. A charge of
10% of the proceeds will be paid to the fiesta account. A staff member will oversee sales for
proper billing. The dinner concession will not be subject to the 10% proceeds fee. The Fiesta
Committee will be responsible for awarding and overseeing the dinner concession.
3. The Friday and Saturday of the Fiesta activities will be official working days in the Hondo
Schools and included in the school calendar. School staff will be assigned duties at Fiesta
activities.
4. Monies raised as a result of Fiesta activities will be deposited with the School's Business
Office and used solely to pay fiesta and dance trip related expenses.
5. A Fiesta Committee will be formed.
A staff member will chair the committee.
The
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committee shall develop a Fiesta Handbook which shall contain the rules, regulations and
activities. The handbook shall be presented to the Board for approval. Approval shall be
standing until such time as changes are made. At such time the handbook shall be presented
to the Board for approval.
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