Policy 8240

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY INSTRUCTION
8240 INSTRUCTION IN CERTAIN SUBJECTS

Generally, the Board has the authority to prescribe the course of study in the schools of the District. However, there are general curriculum areas and specific topics in which the District must prescribe instruction. All students in the District will receive instruction in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Driver Education 

A driver education course may be offered under the conditions set forth by the New York State Education Department and Commissioner's regulations.

Gifted and Talented Students 

The Board will provide appropriate educational programs for students identified as gifted and talented.

Physical Education Class

All students, except those with medical excuses, will participate in physical education in accordance with the Commissioner's regulations, which require that all students attend and participate in physical education as follows:

a) All students in grades K through 3 will participate in a daily program for a minimum of 120 minutes per week. All students in grades 4 through 6 will participate in a program three times per week for a minimum of 120 minutes per week. The minimum time devoted to these programs (K through 6) will be at least 120 minutes in each calendar week, exclusive of any time that may be required for dressing and showering.
b) Students in grades 5 through 6 that are in a middle school will participate in the physical education program a minimum of three periods per calendar week during one semester of each school year and two periods during the other semester, or a comparable time each semester if the school is organized in other patterns.
c) All secondary students (in grades 7 through 12) will have the opportunity for regular physical education, but not less than three times per week in one semester and two times per week in the other semester. A comparable time each semester shall be provided if the school is organized in other patterns.
d) For grades K through 12, a district may provide an equivalent program as approved by the Commissioner of Education.

An excuse from physical education class may be accepted from a licensed physician for medical reasons or a licensed chiropractor for conditions of the spine.

Any student who is temporarily or permanently unable to participate in the regular program of physical education will be provided with adaptive physical education that meets their particular needs. Adaptive physical education processes should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure student needs are being met. 

Health and Mental Health Education

The District's health education program recognizes the multiple dimensions of health by including instruction related to:

a) Mental health;
b) The relation of physical and mental health;
c) The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; and
d) The prevention and detection of certain cancers.

This instruction will enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors that promote health, well-being, and human dignity.

Health education programs provided by the District will be designed according to the needs and abilities of the students at successive grade levels in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.



Policy References:
Education Law Article 90 and §§ 803, 804, 806-a, 1709, and 3204
8 NYCRR Part 142 and §§ 100.2(c), 107.2, 135.1, 135.3, and 135.4



Adopted: 6/22/99
Revised: 9/6/22, 2/28/23

Policy 8240