6177(a)

Instruction
Use of Commercially Produced Video/DVD Recordings

Classroom time for teaching and learning is limited. In addition, active rather than passive modes of instruction are more beneficial to students. Therefore, videos and DVDs, including feature length movies, are to be used both appropriately and sparingly.
Videotapes and DVDs will be selected to be aligned with instructional learning objectives contained within the Board approved curriculum areas. Therefore, videotapes and DVDs, when used, shall be selected for their direct relevance to the instructional program. General selection criteria should include quality of the overall work and its individual parts, fair and accurate representation of the facts, as well as the reputation and significance of the writer, director, and/or performer. Videotapes and DVDs shall not be used for recreation or entertainment, or for other than planned instructional purposes.
The Board establishes the following guidelines to govern the use of videos/DVDs in its schools:

• 1. Video/DVD viewing time, on the average, is not to exceed the following limits:
  • a. elementary - no more than two (2) hours per month.
  • b. secondary - no more than one period per month per subject.
• 2. A video or DVD is never to replace direct skills development in the various subject areas.
• 3. Video/DVD content must always be of recognized merit and must be relevant to the curriculum.
• 4. In the case of using a video/DVD to supplement an author’s written work, students must read the printed version of the material before viewing the video.
• 5. Students must respond critically to the recorded presentation after viewing.
• 6. Only full-length feature movie video/DVDs which directly support the school curriculum may be used in the classroom in keeping with the following requirements:
  • a. Only G-rated movie video/DVDs may be used at the elementary level.
  • b. Only P.G. or P.G.-13 rated movie video/DVDs may be used at the middle-school level.
  • c. P.G. and P.G.-13 rated movie video/DVDs may be used at the high school.
  • d. R-rated movie video/DVDs may be used at the high school level only if they are of exceptional merit, enhance the curriculum and are approved by the Principal. The R-rated video/DVDs must not contain nudity or explicit sex. If an R-rated movie is being used, parents must be notified of its nature and possible offensive content, and must give permission for their child, if under age 18, to view it. A student can opt not to view the video/DVD even if parental approval is given. 
• 7. X-rated video/DVDs may not be used at all (or NC-17)
• 8. Teachers must preview all videos/DVDs before showing them to their students.

Legal Reference: Publication 94-553; The Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq. and 1980 amendments

6177(a)

Instruction
Use of Commercially Produced Video/DVD Recordings

The use of films and videotape/DVDs in school are subject to the following regulations:

• 1. All films and videotapes/DVDs must be carefully previewed and evaluated by the teacher and be determined to meet identified learning objectives before they are used with students. Good taste and professional judgment must always be exercised when selecting video/DVD recordings for classroom use.
• 2. In general, copyright guidelines permit in-classroom use of a copyrighted videotape/DVD when it is used for instructional purposes in a teaching situation as is a lawfully made copy*.
  • a. The school setting has been defined as a "semi-public performance." Therefore, public performance rights are reserved for the copyright owner or those given permission.
  • b. Videotape/DVDs marketed for "home use" do not have the rights granted for public performance. Rented films that include a notice that the film is intended for "home use only" shall not be shown to a class for entertainment purposes.
• 3. Non profit education institutions generally may use videotape/DVDs in the course of "face-to-face" teaching activities, without the need to obtain consent from the copyright owner if the following permissible guidelines are met:
  • a. The video/DVD is a legally obtained lawful copy.
  • b. The video/DVD must be used in the course of "face-to-face" TEACHING ACTIVITIES.
  • c. The video/DVD activity must be carried out by an instructor or student.
  • d. The video/DVD activity must be carried out in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction.
  • e. All video/DVD programming obtained from commercial sources outside the school's purchasing procedure through rental, lease or purchase must be approved for classroom use by the Principal.
• 4. Parents/guardians shall receive a one week advanced written notice when teachers plan to use commercial video/DVD recordings that are rated PG with elementary students, PG-13 with middle school students or R with high school students under the age of 18. Such notice shall include an accurate description of the contents of the video/DVD recording and where it may be obtained for parent/guardian review.
• 5. A video/DVD rated NC-17 shall not be shown under any circumstances.
• 6. Other media such as CD-ROM, laser disc and audio tapes, while not a part of the video rating system, should be selected and used applying the same criteria as videotapes.
• 7. Video/DVD tapes may not be used for recreation or entertainment, or for other than planned instructional purposes.
  * e.g. "Grapes of Wrath" may be presented to a high school English class, but "Star-Wars" which if being shown for entertainment, would not be permitted unless copyright clearance has been obtained.

Legal Reference: Publication 94-553; The Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq. and 1980 amendments

6177
FORM

Hamden Public Schools
Hamden, Connecticut
Use of Commercially Produced Video/DVD Recordings
Parent/Guardian Notification Form

​