6:212 Electronic Media Usage and the Application of Age and Maturity Ratings

Electronic media of all types are now an integral part of the learning environment in which today's students learn to read, write, listen, speak, think and develop meaning of their lives. A properly designed course of instruction can use electronic media to channel a student's enthusiasm and route it to an academically useful goal. All electronic media should be used in an appropriate instructional setting and in an interactive manner with adequate instructional and student preparation. The instructional staff has the responsibility to ensure that all electronic media have been previewed, and are instructional and curricular related, are age and developmentally appropriate, comply with this policy on nationally accepted audience usage ratings, and comply with copyright laws.

One of the most widely accepted rating systems has been provided by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). School District 202 will adhere to the following guidelines:

1. No commercial videotape carrying an MPAA rating of other than "G" or "Not Rated" (in the case of movies made before MPAA guidelines were adopted) will be used in a District 202 elementary school. If "Not Rated" materials are used in the classroom, they must be reviewed prior to use.
2. No commercial videotape carrying an MPAA rating of other than "G", "PG", or "not Rated" (as explained above) will be used in a District 202 middle school. If "Not Rated" materials are used in the classroom, they must be reviewed prior to use.
3. No commercial videotape carrying an MPAA rating of other than "G", "PG", "PG-13”, or "Not Rated" (as explained above) will be used in a District 202 high school. If "Not Rated" materials are used in the classroom, they must be reviewed prior to use by a committee consisting of building principal, teacher and media specialist.
4. No "R" rated movie or videotape will be used as teaching or entertainment instruments in any District No. 202 school.

Non District-Owned Electronic Media

1. A Building Principal or other administrator must give written approval for the use of electronic media materials not belonging to the District, school, or department.
2. The copyright laws will be closely adhered to with regard to use of non District-owned materials.

Use of Cable Television Channels

1. Because previewing is generally impractical, only channels of a predominantly educational, public affairs or news-reporting nature are permitted without prior approval by the building principal.
2. Prior approval by the Building Principal or designee is required before using channels of a predominantly entertainment nature, unless the program to be viewed is educational, public affairs, or news related.
3. The copyright laws will be closely adhered to with regard to use of materials taped off the air.

Other Nationally Accepted Rating Systems

Other electronic media may carry a nationally accepted rating system for age, maturity, and content appropriateness. Instructional applications of such electronic media (other than those types listed above) must have approval by the Building Principal or designee before it can be used for instruction purposes. In determining the instructional value of the electronic media, the Building Principal or designee will not allow the media to be used outside of the stated age appropriate level indicated within the rating system.

ADOPTED:            November 22, 2004
December 16, 2013

REVISED:       April 14, 2014