(Movies/Videos/Software Programs)

In Elementary Schools, teachers must notify parents in advance when they plan to show movies/videos with a rating of PG. Form IJND-E must be completed by the teacher and used to inform parents of the proposed viewing. Movies/videos with ratings above PG (PG-13, R, and NC-17) are not to be shown. This includes movies/videos shown in the classroom or any District facility (including buses and motels where students are present). Parents have the right to deny permission for their children to view a particular movie/video (see permission on form IJND-E).

In Middle Schools, teachers must notify parents in advance when they plan to show movies/videos with a rating of PG-13. Form IJND-E must be completed by the teacher and used to inform parents of the proposed viewing. Movies/videos with ratings above PG-13 (R and NC-17) are not to be shown. This includes movies/videos shown in the classroom or any District facility (including buses and motels where students are present). Parents have the right to deny permission for their children to view a particular movie/video (see permission on form IJND-E).

In High Schools, teachers must notify parents in advance when they plan to show movies/videos with a rating of R. Form IJND-E must be completed by the teacher and used to inform parents of the proposed viewing. Movies/videos with ratings above R (NC-17) are not to be shown. This includes movies/videos shown in the classroom or any District facility (including buses and motels where students are present). Parents have the right to deny permission for their children to view a particular movie/video (see permission on form IJND-E).

It is the responsibility of Amphitheater Public Schools employees to use sound professional judgment in the selection of media to be used with students. With regard to the use of video/films and computer software, the following issues must be considered:

• Every video/film and computer software program used in a school must be used to add value to the instructional program; there shall be specific rationale designating the selection’s instructional benefits. Instructional media selected primarily for recreation as rewards, etc. shall be limited in frequency. Use of copyrighted media rented or purchased for private home use is prohibited, except for limited excerpts allowed by "The Fair Use Doctrine."
• If a film/video or computer software program selected to be shown in school has potential for controversy or contains any element listed on form IJND-E (on file in the principal's office), then Form IJND-E shall be completed and sent to parents to obtain approval in writing for their child to view it.
• School personnel must preview all media before showing to students.
• The use of television programming, other than for specific instructional purposes, is inappropriate. Having televisions tuned to broadcasts of general programming while students are working independently is an unacceptable practice, which diminishes quality work habits. Live broadcasts of historical events including live speeches, space exploration, or state funerals are permissible.

2. AGE APPROPRIATENESS: The content of any media shall be selected with the age and maturity of the students in mind.

3. The COPYRIGHT LAW: Employees of the school system are expected to adhere to the provisions of the copyright law. School system personnel shall be aware of and must abide by the following guidelines/rules:

• Showings of videos/films in schools are recognized as public performances. (The legal definition of a public performance is "a place open to the public...where...people outside a normal circle of family and its social acquaintances are gathered.") Only the copyright holder has the right to authorize a public performance.
• It is illegal for District personnel to rent or purchase videos produced for home use and show them exclusively for reward or recreational purposes. Use of films/videos produced for home use must be based on specific rationale designating the selection’s instructional benefits, and only the excerpts required for the instructional purpose may be used under "The Fair Use Doctrine.".
• Videos/films and computer software used in schools must be obtained through authorized educational producers/distributors, which provide public performance rights within the purchase/rental price.