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KSD Guidelines for Use of Videos and Other Instructional Media

In accordance with Board Policy EGAAA, all use of videos and other audiovisual media within the Kirkwood School District shall comply with copyright laws and regulations. Teachers or other staff members using video or audiovisual media are responsible for following all district procedures and state/federal laws regarding their use. The use of personal streaming video subscriptions in the classroom is not allowed.

Video or audiovisual media, if used with students, must have an educational intent in support of standards-based instruction.  Teachers are expected to view any video prior to use with students. Educators using videos or other instructional media with students should consider the following:

  • Capacity of the video or instructional media to support curriculum
  • Capacity to reach the personal interest level and ability of students
  • Importance of the subject matter
  • Age appropriateness, using Motion Picture Association of America guidelines where applicable, and reviews from other recognized sources

Students must be allowed to view any video presented to their class, given its use to meet an educational objective. Videos should rarely be used as a reward, and access should not be denied as consequences for behaviors.

Videos of student performances may be shown to students if they meet the instructional criteria listed above.  Any student participating in a filmed student performance should be approved for media release, as per the Student Media Consent Form.

Use of Videos Rated by the Motion Picture Association of America

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has created a movie rating system for feature length movies, based on age-related criteria.  Because many families embrace these ratings as a standard for their children’s movie viewing, teachers must consider the rating when selecting material for classroom use. If using an MPAA rated video, the guidelines noted below must be followed.

  • G (General Audiences) - May be shown to any age student without signed permission from parent or guardian
  • PG (Parental Guidance suggested) - A signed parental permission form is required for students under age 13. 
  • PG 13 (Parents strongly cautioned, as some material may be inappropriate for children under 13) - A signed parental permission form is required for students under age 14. The use of PG 13 videos is limited to middle and high schools.
  • R (Restricted, under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian) - A signed parental permission form is required for all students. The use of R-videos is limited to high school.  
  • NC 17 (No Children 17 and Under) - The use of videos rated NC 17 is prohibited.
  • Unrated (movies made prior to the MPAA rating system, foreign films, and videos produced specifically for educational purposes) - Educators should use their best professional judgment when considering use of these films, seeking guidance from a principal if any questions arise.

Parents/guardians shall receive at least one week advance written notice when teachers plan to use commercial video recordings that require permissions outlined above.  Such notice shall include an accurate description of the contents, instructional purpose of the video, and, when possible, where it might be located/rented for parent/guardian review. Teachers shall notify the school’s principal at least 10 days in advance of showing a video that requires parent/guardian permission.

Regardless of rating and permission, all videos shown in the Kirkwood School District must comply with Missouri law, RSMo 573.550 (SB775), regarding explicit sexual material.

Alternative Assignments

If it is established that a student or parent/guardian objects as a matter of principle to the viewing of a particular video, a meaningful alternative and related activity will be assigned without penalty or embarrassment to the student.  Alternative assignments shall consist of useful work related to valid instructional goals. They may not be punitive or burdensome in length of time or type of work required.  Parents may be asked to assist in designing an alternative assignment.