6144.1

Instruction

Exemption From Instruction

Substance Abuse Education

Substance abuse education is required by state statutes for all students annually and students are not exempt.

Religious

If the religious belief and/or teachings of a student or his/her parents or guardian are contrary to the content of a school subject, or to any part of a school activity, the student may be exempt from participation.  To receive such an exemption, the parent or guardian must present a written request for exemption to the Principal stating the conflict involved.  In the event of religious exemption, an alternate assignment will be provided.

Medical

If a student is unable to participate in a physical education class, he/she must present to the Principal or designee a statement from a physician stating the reason for his/her inability to participate.

HIV/AIDS Instruction

Currently there is no cure for those infected with AIDS, but the Board of Education believes that education is the best way to prevent the spread of AIDS.  By learning the facts about AIDS, students will be able to make decisions that will keep them healthy and perhaps save their lives.

A student will be exempted from instruction on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) upon receipt of a written request for exemption from his/her parent or guardian.

"HIV/AIDS Instruction" is defined as ongoing and systematic instruction on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) offered by the District pursuant to state law.

Bilingual Education

A student will be exempted from the bilingual program upon receipt of a written request for exemption from his/her parent or guardian. Equivalent instruction, as determined by the teacher will be provided.

Dissection of Animals

A student will be exempted from Dissection Instruction upon receipt of a written request for exemption from his/her parent or guardian. "Dissection Instruction" is defined as instruction in which a student must participate in, or observe the dissection of any animal.

Any student excused from participating in, or observing the dissection of any animal as part of classroom instruction shall be required to complete an alternate assignment to be determined by the teacher.
Exemptions from required instruction do not excuse a student from the total semester hours required for graduation.

Family Life and Education Instruction

Students, parents or guardians shall be informed of their right to exempt the student from the family life program. The student will be exempted upon a written request for exemption from his/her parent or guardian. "Family Life Instruction" is defined as instruction pertaining to family planning, human sexuality, parenting, nutrition and the emotional, physical psychological, hygienic, economic and social aspects of family life.

Any student excused from any aspect of the curriculum maybe required by the teacher to complete an alternate assignment.

Note:  Dissection, family life education and HIV/AIDS are three instructional areas in which, as indicated, upon the written request of a parent/guardian, the Board is required to permit curricular exemptions for instruction.

Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevent Program

"Sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program" is defined as the state-wide program identified or developed by the Department of Children, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc. (or a similar entity) that includes age-appropriate educational materials designed for children in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, regarding child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention that may include, but not be limited to, (A) the skills to recognize (i) child sexual abuse and assault, (ii) boundary violations and unwanted forms of touching and contact, and (iii) ways offenders groom or desensitize victims and (B) strategies to (i) promote disclosure, (ii) reduce self-blame, and (iii) mobilize bystanders.

A student shall be excused from the sexual abuse and assault and prevention program in its entirety or any part thereof, upon receipt by the Principal or his/her designee, of a written request from the student's parent/guardian.

Any student excused from any aspect of the curriculum may be required by the teacher to complete an alternative assignment.  Any student excused from participating in the sexual abuse and assault awareness program shall be provided, during the period of time in which the student would otherwise be participating in such program, an opportunity for other study or academic work as determined by the teacher.

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

10-16b Prescribed courses of study.

10-16c State board to develop family life education curriculum guides.

10-16e Students not required to participate in the family life education program.

10-17f Required bilingual program (as amended by PA 98-168)

10-18d Animal dissection. Students to be excused from participation or observation.

17a-101q Statewide sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program.

10-19(b) AIDS education.

10-19 Effect of alcohol, nicotine or tobacco and drugs to be taught.

Policy adopted: